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fairysluna · 1 year

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Hello, I just stumbled into your old account and read and LOVED one of your Aegon fanfics (What Should've Been) and I have a teeny tiny request, if you don't mind. It seems the reader had tuberculosis from the symptoms, especially the bloody coughs, and since Aegon was thoroughly exposed to it, I was wondering if you can maybe make a teeny tiny follow-up about how he also contracts the disease and dies and later joins the reader in the afterlife under the same weirwood tree where she's waiting for him in her wedding gown and Aegon goes to her and tucks a purple pansy in her ear and they walk off into the light, together at last.

Please, I'm terribly heartbroken (and depressed but that's just my usual depression) over this beautiful story and I'd love a follow-up, even if it's just bullet points of what happens 🥺🥺

Author's Note: Hi hun!! I love the fact that you love my story enough to come here and ask me to write more, I will always love to make a follow up of my fics... so this is entirely dedicated to you, love!! thank you for enjoying my writing (and srry for breaking your heart). These are bullet points btw and it is quite short, but i hope you like it!!🤍

WHAT SHOULD'VE BEEN — Aegon's Grief.

Summary: The aftermath of the biggest loss in Aegon's life: you. An epilogue for this story.

Pairing: Aegon II Targaryen x Arryn!Reader

Tags/TW: angst, grief, death, mentions of depression, sickness, sensitive content. If something is missing pls let me know.

Aegon didn’t leave his bed for days. The grief and sorrow in his heart was too much for him to bear. He wouldn’t eat, he wouldn’t bathe, he wouldn’t even stand from his bed… the bed he used to share with you.

It was hard for him to go inside the room, the weeks before your funeral he couldn’t even bring himself to look at the door of it. Needless to say, he didn’t even step inside of it until the funeral was over. The sheets were still there, the shape of your body was still seen on the bed. He did not allow the maids to clean up the room; he could smell the scent of death that was left behind, but once he went closer to the bed he was able to smell your perfume… and that was enough for him to bury his face against the pillows as he sobbed and whined.

Alicent tried to go and persuade him to go back to his duties. He had become a King, but what kind of King he was if he didn't have his Queen by his side? What purpose was left for him when the most important person in the world was now gone? The forces of your love had left him without warming, the warmth of your love no longer covered his body in the shape of an affectionate kiss. He felt useless without you, for you were the only thing that brought meaning into his life.

Aemond would start to cover him up in the Small Council meetings and other duties. Aegon was in no condition to fulfill his activities, because not only his spirit was broken but his health was deteriorating with each passing day. The health of their King was starting to cause rumors around the halls, servants claimed that he went mad out of his own grief.

His chubby shape soon became a skeletal one. His rosy cheeks were now pale and bony, his cheekbones being too noticeable now. Alicent would go at night trying to make him eat something, but Aegon had lost his will to live the day he lost you. And eventually, the Gods were merciful enough… and they made him sick too.

Alicent knew what was coming, she had witnessed the same symptoms in you a few weeks ago before you took your last breath. She cried herself to sleep many nights as the Maester would only inform her that her son was slowly dying, with no signs of improvement at all. And then, the hallucinations started as Aegon was being slowly killed by the fever.

His already weakened body could not handle that sickness that came upon him. The lack of food, of sleep, along with his lack of will to live were enough to get him seriously ill, to the point when he started to speak to the maids thinking they were you.

"Oh, my sweet wife," he would say with a thin voice, barely audible. Most of his wording would be interpreted as mumbling and nonsense, "can't wait to see our beautiful child growing inside of you."

A few days later… Aegon passed away in the same bed that he used to share with you, grasping the same sheets that covered your body during your last days, and in the same bed where he held you close every night. And even though that was the day his body died, his soul had left him the same day you left him.

Alicent cried for days after the news, but she wasn't surprised at all. No one was. The love Aegon had for you was too obvious for everyone.

"Not even death could pull them apart," Aemond would say as he consoled his mother during the funeral, where Sunfyre was the one lighting the fire that ended up consuming his skeletal body.

Aegon thought he was dreaming when he found himself standing in the gardens, wearing a black suit but feeling light, the anguish that had haunted him for the past weeks was no longer there.

And then, he heard your laugh.

A small giggle that made him feel as if his heart was beating again. A sound so soft and gentle, delicate and blissful, that it brought a rose color upon his cheeks, which returned to be as chubby as they were before.

At first, he was afraid of turning around, thinking that it was a delusion, some trick of his mind making him hear things. But then, he heard it again, and the urge to look at your beautiful face once again was stronger than any fear that might succumb him. He needed to see you… and he did.

There you were, as beautiful as you have always been, wearing a tighter and less pompous version of your wedding gown. Your hair was falling down your shoulders in cascades, your eyes gleaming with pure happiness as you laughed at the pages you were reading. Aegon was enchanted, mesmerized by the angelic sound your laughter would produce.

He walked slowly towards you, as if he was scared you would become a pile of dust and fade into the wind, but you never did. Instead, you looked up at him and your eyes shined so bright that Aegon was sure he saw stars in them. You were so gorgeous, far from being the sick woman he saw before you passed. You were your old self, the woman who would make him laugh and make him fall in love all over again every single day.

"You came," you said with a radiant smile.

"You know I've never done well without you, my love," he replied.

You saw him picking up a flower from the greenest grass he's ever seen; a purple pansy soon was on your hair, and Aegon's heart felt alive once he felt your lips against the softness of his flushed cheeks. A gesture that he had terribly missed.

Aegon cupped your face between his hands, and looked down to you with admiration and pure devotion. Your eyes were full of life once again; a sight that Aegon wished to never forget again. Before you could say anything to him, he kissed you, and your lips felt warm and soft as they always were. Your touch made him feel like a teenage boy, the same boy that fell in love with you many years ago.

He realized then that he finally found heaven, that all his wishes and pleas were listened to by the Gods by sending him back to you; back to where he belonged.

Aegon saw your eyes once again, and right there he realized that the Gods were finally merciful, because now he got to spend the rest of his life by your side without having the constant fear of losing you again.

He finally found peace, because you were there with him.

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two-white-butterflies · 7 months

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As Lovers Often Do - c.5

Description: Alyssa Strong was born to be Aemond's wife. As the dance occurs, certain consequences are levied upon her.

"An eye for an eye. A son for a son."

series masterlist | part four

“She would take him to faraway lands to observe foreign ways, so he could get closer to the strangeness within himself.”

― Fatima Mernissi

"You've been sending letters to my mother?" Alyssa peeked her head inside of Queen Alicent's solar - to see her lover casually lounged upon the leather seats. "Nothing but conversations that siblings ought to have," Aemond humored - eye flickering towards her direction. In all the years of seeing Alyssa, her beauty never ceased to amaze him. "How is the babe? Have they come out?" she inquired, settling beside him and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Not yet, but the midwives say that it is soon." he responded, forgetting about the book on his lap - giving her his full attention. "My mother has always been strong - this pregnancy does not seem to have a toll on her. I worried about her, truthfully. The gods have never been kind to our kin." she breathed, inhaling his scent of cinnamon.

He grimaced at the thought of pregnancy. His mother had a hard time carrying Daeron - it was her last pregnancy. He's also heard stories about Queen Aemma - giving birth took her life. A Targaryen Princess' battlefield is the birthing-bed. "It is a price that we pay," he could only respond. "Enough of babes - rather, let's talk about the progression of your relationship with my mother. I never thought I'd live to see the day that you'd two get along," she chuckled.

She gathered her gowns - taking a small step towards the table that held all the beverages. She fills her goblet with wine even though it was far too early to get drunk. "I could say the same thing, Isa. It comes as a surprise - I never expected Princess Saera to be civil." he stopped the words that were coming out of his mouth.

Her eyebrow raised, taking a sip of her wine. "What do you mean by that?" she asked - and he froze in his tracks. He's been taught that his half-siblings were enemies - that the only person that he could rely on was his own full blooded siblings. Rhaenyra wanted the throne; his mother said, and she wouldn't hesitate to kill their family. But Rhaenyra was different from Saera, right?

"There's always been a war between Queen Alicent's side and Queen Aemma's side. A silent one - I-I always assumed that Princess Saera would take Princess Rhaenyra's side."

"She wishes to remain neutral, I assure you. But what is there to fight for? Aunt Rhaenyra is made heir to the iron throne - it's been six and ten or six and seven years since the birth of Prince Aegon. If muñazma wanted him as King - he would've already done so." Alyssa was quick to apprehend.

Her relationship with Rhaenyra was always - stale, but having her aunt as Queen would be a wonderful precedence. It would show that women especially in this country had a right to society. A right to raise their voices and rule kingdoms. It was pure Valyrian prowess - and it was why she admired the older woman.

"The people of Westeros do not like her?"

"You mean the lords of Westeros? There are as much ladies in court than there are lords - we prefer the Princess Rhaenyra. That is of course, assuming that she isn't the only choice."

Recognizing that it was a losing game, Aemond only smiles. He'd lose everything if it meant being loved by Alyssa. He'd change himself. Love makes you want to be a better person - but it also gives you permission to just be yourself. "Is there something that you are not telling me, Aemond?" Alyssa inquires and he shakes his head.

A decision already formed in his brain - when the time comes ... when his father dies. He will bend the knee to his older sister. It was the right thing to do - the only thing that would make Alyssa happy.

"Nothing, merely politics."

(ALYSSA II)

I always knew that my uncle had a terrible habit of hiding his feelings. He would sooner put the realm to torch than tell me what he truly felt. He promised me a few fortnights ago that he'd ask my mother for my hand - marry me in the traditions of our house, but he hasn't done that yet. He's told Queen Alicent - but not my mother. He's afraid of her and Uncle Daemon.

I've also noticed another thing about my uncle; he's made of fire and gold. While other Targaryens are purely forged of fire - never forgetting, never forgiving - he has a cursed aspect to him. According to my mother, gold came from a star in the sky - it crashed down into earth and engulfed this planet with that beauty. It was a cursed beginning - and thus its existence was also cursed.

People fought for gold - people killed for gold.

Aemond is exactly that; cunning, chivalrous - but also homey. He knows his limits as a man. I could not stop loving him.

My mother whelped again sooner after - a girl. Her name was Viserra, after the doomed daughter of King Jaehaerys. The bards sing about her joyous nature, always smiling even as a babe. The King joked that I had finally found a worthy rival; I mused and joked in return.

But in truths, I felt replaced.

I was half-Strong - but this girl was a pure dragon.

"Will you visit your parents in Dragonstone, child?" my grandfather turns to look at me and I nodded. "Yes, I've been itching to see Viserra. I wonder who she looks like the most?" I replied with a smile.

Yes, I did feel replaced - but I was happy because I finally had a younger sibling. "Our men write that the birth was difficult. Have you asked Daemon about Saera, husband? Will Viserra be their only child?" Alicent asks her husband - cautious as always.

"Ah, yes. The birth was difficult but Saera affirms that they want more children. She has always been a responsible girl. She will pull through." Viserys talks about his daughters with joy - an opposite to the way he looks at his sons. "All is well then?" I ask and the King nods happily. "You know, your mother was about your age when she married your father." Viserys remembers, I freeze.

"You should already be searching for suitors, child. Fulfill your duties as a princess of the realm." Viserys teaches; I could swear to hear Alicent mumble 'lady' in correction. "There are still many things that I wish to achieve in this life, your grace. My lessons are not yet done." I reasoned, this was going to be something I regretted.

"For gods' sake. Have lovers - be happy. You are a Targaryen." he encouraged, much to the dismay of his wife. "That is not something a lady should do," Alicent argues with a scowl. "- it is about time that we engage Aemond with Alyssa. Mend the bonds that have been broken and unite our family." Alicent said something right for once.

"I will give you an ultimatum, Alyssa. Five years - find someone that you'll cherish - and if not, we'll make that choice for you." Viserys concludes, the Queen's eyes relax for a moment. "It is very important that we give the children their own choice - I've learnt that the hard way." Viserys chuckled, taking a sip of his milk of poppy.

"It was basically an indirect approval," Alyssa opened her mouth and Aemond seemed to be deep in thought. "First of all, congratulations on the birth of your sister. Second of all, I've already told my mother." Aemond comforted - seeing that surprised look on his beloved's face. "Why don't you tell my mother?" she questioned and he took a deep breath.

He looks to the side.

"I'm not exactly what your mother would want for you to wed. Didn't she promise you to love in a beautiful house near the sea? I've got no land, no rights, no titles of my own - what face can I show your parents? What face can I show the Lady Regent of Harrenhall or the prince that wields that Dark Sister?" he told himself.

In short words; he was not yet worthy of Alyssa - but he plans to be. "You are a Prince and ... I love you." she tilted her head. He seemed to be surprised too. It was the first time she's ever told him that. "You love me?" the sides of his mouth turned upwards. "You know what I mean - I see a future with you. A safe and comfortable one." she expanded - but the smile does not leave his face.

"You have to go through the formalities first - touring around the realm in search for a suitor - even though you've already found the one... Let me ask you something, Isa. When do you plan to get married?" he inquired and she shrugged. "Mayhaps a year or two from now?" she concluded and he nods.

"My mother has already been negotiating our engagement with Lord Larys - they're finalizing it. Making sure that it's perfect so that Princess Saera would have no choice but to agree. Of course, I've started being friends with your mother a few weeks ago."

"Calm down, Aemond. You're thinking about it too much. My mother has always adored you - she's always loved her siblings regardless." Alyssa reassured. "I am thinking about this too much indeed," he breathed. "Take care of the details, Aemond. I'll deal with the delivery." she placed a hand on his shoulder.

He was adorable.

"Marriage! By the gods. When I spoke to you about marriage, I did not assume that you already had your mind set." Viserys took a sip of his medicine. It always a pain to look at his oldest granddaughter. She looked too much like Aemma - but to hear that she already made her own decision, it reminded him of his own mother. "But do not tell my mother, please." she takes a step forward, staring deep into her grandfather eyes - that often looked like a mirror of her own.

"Oh my dear, do not pull me into trouble that I did not begin." he raised a finger and she sighed. "My mother is sick with childbed fever. I'm afraid that the news would shock her and be detrimental to her health. Please kepa, keep this secret for a few months - or at least until she gets better. Then, I will tell her myself." she promised - feeling that familiar anxiety gnaw at her bones.

She loves her mother - but she would not approve. Saera has loved Daemon since she was a child - but getting married young was wrong in her eyes. Her mother wouldn't approve - not even the King could stop her. "Alright, alright." the King relented, feeling his knees buckle at the weight of his own body.

"But I expect that you keep your distance from Prince Aemond until your engagement is formally announced."

>> next chapter

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A/N: I'm sorry for not updating in months. I had to take a step back after my boyfriend cheated on me to the thought of his cousin. (His cousin is a wonderful human being, and I admire her.) Please do not comment hate comments about him since we're still in the process of talking about things and such... I just hope that I'll look back on this one day and have a good laugh.

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galacticwildfire · 1 year

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Sad, Beautiful, Tragic | Alicent Hightower

One

Alicent Hightower x Targaryen!oc

Their fathers sworn enemies, Viserra and Alicent should never have been as close as they were, yet it was a connection neither could fight. What began as an innocent girlhood companionship becomes something scandalous, with the bastard daughter of Daemon Targaryen showing her true colours. As the dance begins she finds herself torn between her loyalty to her house and her love for her father. Yet neither hold a candle to her forbidden love for the new queen, a love which threatens to destroy them both.

Word count : 6600

A/N: this chapter is set during episode one, setting up the tone for the rest of the story. For hotd/got stories I do not typically use tags unless it is for severe content warnings, all violence and themes will align with that in canon.

A year it's been since I've stepped foot in Kings Landing. So long has passed since my father decided to take me on one of his adventures to Dorne and then across the narrow sea, to show me the ruins of old Valyria with my own eyes, only to return for the heir's tournament.

Except despite his insistence, it is not his tournament, but that of the king's unborn child. I can only imagine how Rhaenyra must feel as the king's daughter, because gods do I know how my father is taking it as the king's brother. If he were to be disinherited by a baby boy he may just kill it himself.

"Now," Father begins as we walk through the gates of the Red Keep, our dragons returning to the Dragonpit for the first time in so long. "If that cunt of Hightower makes even a single comment I want to know."

"It's Otto Hightower, of course he will," I reply, knowing the reason he decided to take me and leave. Otto Hightower made the mistake of complaining to the king that I am of too low a status to be seen with his daughter. Something my father did not take well to. "He's a cunt by nature, you can't win them all over."

"I don't have any desire to win him over, what I desire is to cut his tongue out for calling my only daughter a bastard."

"Except I am a bastard," I remind him, the very words Viserys told him. "His tongue cannot be cut out for speaking the truth."

"A legitimised bastard, I made sure of that," he reminds me in return. "My brother knew he'd have hell to pay if he didn't give you the Targaryen name and legitimise you, especially after I named you in his honour. Don't forget that when you walk through the Red Keep you are my heir and a fucking dragon rider. You are above the likes of Otto Hightower."

"It's not hard to be above him," I remark and say "I'll just be glad to see Rhaenyra and Alicent."

He groans. "You truly wish to run around with that girl knowing who her father is?"

"Alicent is sweet," I dismiss, immediately protective. "It's hardly her fault who her father is."

"That may be true but she is utterly boring," he remarks and I roll my eyes. "Rhaenyra is the one you ought to be close with."

"If I recall I was inseparable with both before the kingsguard had to stop you from cutting Otto's tongue out in the small council chamber."

"And I'd do it again."

"In that case I'll happily run around with Alicent and Rhaenyra," I tell him. "They are the closest thing I have to sisters, I will not let insults take that from me."

"Yes well, as long as Otto doesn't like it I'm fine with it," he allows and reminds me. "Now don't let them keep Darkfyre in the pits for too long, she's growing fast out of captivity. I give it only a few years and she'll be as large as Caraxes." He looks towards the throne room. "You go settle in, I'll see you after."

He leaves me to my own devices, and the first place I go is to the queens chambers to see her, it's only by chance they are both there as well.

"Your grace, the Lady Viserra."

As I'm announced they all look to me in surprise, but it is a happy one.

Rhaenyra immediately jumps up to hug me, followed by Alicent, and I look over their shoulders to Aemma, sitting up with a hand resting on her belly.

"I was starting to worry your father would never bring you back," she says and reaches out her hand. "Come here child, let me see you." She smiles as I come over. "You look like Jeyne more every day."

Jeyne. My mother. A lady in waiting to Aemma when she was first brought to court from the Vale. I know well enough it was not love what happened between her and my father, for he left her at the first mention of pregnancy and returned for me after she had died in the childbed. But before then Aemma had promised my mother she would care for me, and she has.

"How are you faring?" I ask her, noticing her discomfort.

"I could be better, but as I was just telling Rhaenyra, you three girls will soon be in this bed and you must learn to face it with a stiff lip."

For Rhaenyra and Alicent an arranged marriage to a great house is a certainty, for me it is an impossibility. "I think my father would sooner send any suitor to the sword than have me wed."

She chuckles. "That is true." She looks past me to Rhaenyra and Alicent and says "Now you girls go and have fun, I have no doubt there is much to catch up on."

The three of us walk arm in arm through the Red Keep, the two of them asking eagerly of tales from across the narrow sea which I give vividly. When Rhaenyra is called away to serve as her fathers cupbearer on the council, I take Alicent to the dragon pit.

Come," I say, holding her hand. "Come see how Darkfyre's grown."

Darkfyre, named to honour my fathers sword Darksister. The keepers are still coaxing her into the pit since it's been so long since she's been in captivity.

"Lykiri," I tell her, since the keepers struggle to tame her. Alicent stands behind me as I put a hand on her black scales to ease her. "Lykiri."

"She's larger than Syrax," Alicent comments in surprise. "Far larger."

"Keeping them captive in the dragon pit is hindering their growth," I tell her. "Since travelling around Dorne and the free cities with father she's been free to grow."

"It's been so long since a Targaryen's stepped foot in Dorne," she says, knowing her histories. "What was your father doing there?"

"Well, he decided to go remind the Dornish we have dragons," I put it simply. "Parading himself trying to gather favour. We were guests of the prince of the Dorne for a while, it truly is beautiful in Sunspear."

"I can imagine," she says. "So what's brought your father back?"

"Gods know, he's likely grown bored and has decided to give his brother and your father hell again."

We're both able to laugh despite how our fathers despise one another. While my father is content to burn his bridges, I don't have that luxury. As a bastard my standing is fragile enough, I need all the friends at court I can have.

"I'm glad to be back," I tell her. "I've missed home. As much as I love my father I have no desire to spend my time in Dornish brothels as he does."

She raises an eyebrow. "Then what is it you desire?"

"To be the greatest dragon rider there is," I tell her, flashing a smile as I take her hand, coaxing her towards Darkfyre. "Here, don't be afraid."

She's too stunned to refuse as I bring her hand to Darkfyre and she gasps at the touch. "I've never-"

"Touched a dragon?" I finish, knowing how she's always refused to. "See, there's no reason to fear them. They're loyal to their riders."

"Except I'm not her rider."

"Yet," I tease, knowing she's large enough to saddle two. "My father took me up on Caraxes when I was just a week old, as his mother did with him."

"My father would kill me if I even considered it."

That makes me smile. "It would be a bit hard for him to kill you if you were on dragonback."

She shakes her head, smiling. "You have not changed a bit."

The three of us lay beneath the Weirwood tree in the garden. Alicent testing me on my studies which have been truly neglected this past year, except I've gained a knowledge that is truly invaluable. Experience. Seeing the places we read of, being part of their living history instead of flipping through books.

"It doesn't matter what lord married what lady fifty years ago," I lecture. "What matters is the state of everything today, and unless it's Valyrian history what's the point?"

Rhaenyra laughs. "Did Daemon tell you that?"

"Well it's true," I say, him being my sole educator for the past year. "Across the narrow sea no one asks what lord married what lady fifty years ago, they want to hear of the dragons and the conqueror."

"Now that is something I can agree with," Rhaenyra says much to Alicent's annoyance, who's trying to get us up to scratch for the septa.

"The Septa will be furious if you two insist on jesting."

"The Septa's funny when she's furious."

I laugh but Alicent senses something deeper. "You're always like this when you're worried."

"Like what?"

"Disagreeable."

There's something in the look the two share that makes my heart sink a little, that in my absence the two have become closer. It was always the three of us, and now it is them with me there as well.

"You're worried your father is about to overshadow you with a son."

"I only worry for my mother," Rhaenyra says, a sentiment I share.

"She'll be alright," I try to assure her. "She's done this many times."

"And yet I'm the only one that lives."

Her reply is morbid enough to make Alicent quiet.

"Yes, but if you're mother has endured childbirth this many times over the odds are in her favour," I say, trying to put it logically. "Trust in the maesters."

I look to Alicent, who lost her own mother whilst I was in the free cities, and silently reach for her hand. It seems more has changed in my absence than I thought.

That night my father requests I come with him to Fleabottom to witness his new force of Gold Cloaks. I stand by his side as he gives his speech to his men, listening as the men howl and the violence begins.

It's pure butchery unlike anything I've ever seen, but father watches me so I keep my horror buried deep, not letting it show. I don't understand the reason for me being hear until he puts Darksister in my hand and the goldcloaks bring forth a bloodied man.

"Now, you may have returned to the keep but I cannot allow you to get soft," he says as I stare numbly at the sight. "You must not be afraid of blood nor a blade, for one day it could be the only thing standing between you and death." The man writhes, begging for mercy. "This blade will be yours one day, Darksister, blade of Visenya. I intend to make you worthy of it."

And so I raise the blade and spill my first blood.

Alicent is with me the next morning, helping me alter a dress for the tournament since my bust has come in this past year and the clothes I left here in the keep are ill fitting as a result.

"You're tired," she notices, and from the way her nose turns up I know she can smell Fleabottom on me. "Your father took you into the city?"

"Yes, he wanted me to be there as he showcased his Goldcloaks," I tell her, choosing not to elaborate much further. "An eventful night of the kings justice being showcased." But as I reach out to help her the red staining my hand matches the dress.

She's silent as she looks at me, knowing very well what I'm not telling her.

"It-" there's no point excusing it. "My father does not want me getting soft."

"So he has you spill blood in the city streets?"

There's a protective bite to her voice.

"He believes I should know how to handle a blade," I argue. "If I was a man you would see no issue with it."

"Well your father lets you behave as one," she mutters under her breath, going to push my hand aside but her eyes fall to the floor as I see the red of her nails, an old habit worsened.

"It seems my father isn't the only one with expectations," I say, knowing very well the words of me behaving as a man are from her fathers mouth, but that's not what I'm concerned about. "How long Alicent?"

She quickly hides her nails from me. "It's nothing."

I look at her and see a truly sad girl, as if it's so inherent it's as much a part of her as her own heart. "You do not need to lie to me for fear of shame, it's me." She always tries so hard to please her father, to be the good and chaste influence on Rhaenyra. But she needs not be anyone else for me. "How long?"

"It- it's always been a bad habit, but I'll admit the past months it's gotten worse," she tells me shyly. "I just get so nervous-"

I hold her hands gently, looking down at them, at something she is so ashamed of. "You may be the most beautiful girl in Kings Landing and have a reputation to keep, but you are allowed to not have to seem so perfect."

My point is lost on her, for she stammers "Do you truly mean that?"

I just laugh at her naivety. "Well, I cannot speak for men but I can say with certainty after travelling the free cities you are still the most beautiful girl I've seen." She's at a loss for words and I smile. "Come now, show me your dress for the tournament."

Alicent and I sit side by side at the tournament, Rhaenyra deciding to be fashionably late. It's a beautiful day, yet an anxious one as Aemma has begun her labors. We sit at the front with Princess Rhaenys' children Laena and Laenor. I'm showing Laena a golden ring from Lys when Rhaenyra joins us, sitting on the other side of Alicent.

"Has it started yet?" Rhaenyra asks, flaunting some jewellery of her own that intrigues Laena.

"What metal is that?" she asks, not recognising it and I can't blame her, for I doubt the child has ever seen anything like it.

"Valyrian steel," Rhaenyra replies with a smile as she touches her necklace. "Daemon gifted it to me."

Now that surprises me and I can't help but exclaim "He did?"

"Yes," she says with that coy tone she uses. "When you returned to the city."

My father never mentioned it to me, he surely did waste no gold in acquiring all sorts of Valyrian artefacts, he had spent weeks seeking a Valyrian steel dagger for my nameday, yet he never once mentioned a gift like this for Rhaenyra.

Alicent much catch the confusion in my eye for she tilts her head at me, but just as quickly as she goes to inquire the events begin. Rhaenyra gleefully watches the lancing but I sit there in contemplation. Rhaenyra is his niece yes, but such a gift is strange, even for my father.

Finally he is announced.

"Prince Daemon, Prince of the City!"

He rides past in his armor, and I look to Rhaenyra, who is practically blushing, it's then it dawns on me the affection she has for my father. An innocent fancy perhaps, but not one I expected my father to encourage with gifts.

Except of course he would.

I watch as he taunts the line of knights for his choosing, until finally he makes his choice. Alicent's brother.

"For his first challenge Prince Daemon chooses Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, eldest son of the Hand of the King."

Alicent immediately becomes anxious beside me and I reach for her hand, our fingers laced together hidden between the folds of our dresses. She is afraid and rightly so, for we both know it will be my father that wins, and will likely do so taking any chance he can to spite Otto Hightower. Sure enough I watch him look up at Otto before charging.

I'm cringing as my father upon taking a hit decides to play dirty, using his lance to take down the horse and Alicent gasps loudly as her brother is thrown to the ground. I hold her hand tight as she peers over, trying to see if he's alright all while I just shake my head at my father who smirks proudly as he rides over.

While I'm focused on Alicent it's Rhaenyra who gets up to greet my father, something else that rubs me the wrong way, something Alicent notices as we follow.

"Nicely done uncle," Rhaenyra praises.

"Thank you princess."

"Is being underhanded the only way you can win?" I taunt my father, not as impressed as Rhaenyra is.

"No but it's more entertaining," he replies, looking around at the crowd and decides to aggravate Otto further. "Now I'm fairly sure I can win these games Lady Alicent, your favour would all but assure it."

I purse my lips unimpressed as Alicent goes to get her favour while Rhaenyra holds my fathers eye, the tension between them almost making me sick.

"Good luck, my prince," Alicent says placing her favour on his lance, uncomfortable beside me for only a moment before wearing a pleasant smile, and the tournament continues.

It's bloody and beautiful, pageantry alongside brutality. Whilst Alicent watches on in horror, and Rhaenyra lets out a gasp or two I watch on nubmly after having experienced the pure butchery at my fathers hands down in Fleabottom.

In the midst of it I notice Alicent, her eyes fixed on the violence whilst picking at her nails and I take her hands in mine, she almost jumps at the touch, having been pulled out of her daze and I just squeeze her hands, no more needing to be said as we watch on.

My attention is caught by the knight Ser Criston Cole going against my father. A handsome man from what we've seen, secretly I hope he puts my father in his place, and he does. Although I can't help the shriek that escapes me as my fathers horse drags him along the railing, the sound awful as he hits the ground and this time it's Alicent gripping my hand tight.

A man goes to help my father to his feet only to be pushed to the ground, and I run to the balcony's edge as my father gets to his feet, almost maddened with the shame of being dishorsed. I watch wide eyed as he calls for his sword and Alicent and Rhaenyra both jump up and come to my side.

"Prince Daemon wishes to continue in a contest of arms!"

I look behind me for the king but he's nowhere to be seen, no one to stop this madness if it gets out of hand, which it no doubt will. Ser Criston faces my fathers sword with a mace and chain, breathing through fathers shield, the fight becomes hands on, more kicking and shoving than anything else until Ser Criston is on the ground and my father looks up at me, smiling and cheering as he claims victory. Only to have made the mistake of turning his back on his opponent, for he's knocked to the ground and he does something that surprises me. He yields. Not out of weakness, but almost, almost, out of something resembling respect for a good fight.

It's then Ser Criston comes forward removing his helmet, the three of us share an exchange of pleasant surprise at the sight of him.

"Gods, he's Dornish," I hear Alicent exclaim while I can't help but appreciate the sight in front of us.

"I was hoping to ask for the favour of Lady Viserra," he says, not Rhaenyra's, but mine. "The daughter of the Prince."

Doing the same as my father, asking for the favour of his opponent's daughter. I can respect him for that. And so I'm smiling as I reach for my favour, my father watching on in amusement as I toss it down to Ser Criston. "Good fight Ser Criston, I wish you luck."

Rhaenyra can make eyes at my father all she likes, I'll give the Dornish knight my favour. But it's then I notice Otto Hightower returning and murmuring something to one of the council members. Alarm quickly spreads behind us, something Rhaenyra notices and I know it can only be one thing.

"Alicent," I say and she goes to her father who pulls her aside murmuring something to her, she looks back at us and there is no mistaking it.

The queen is dead.

"Rhaenyra," I immediately breathe, reaching for her, she's too shocked to cry but even so I take her in my arms, looking over her shoulder at Alicent in mutual horror. The two motherless girls have become three.

We sit together in Rhaenyra's room, Alicent and I sitting on the edge of her bed as she lies away from us, eyes wide open yet dead to the world.

"Baelor your father has named the boy," I tell her, treading gently. "Would you like to see him?"

She doesn't reply. Neither her or Viserys have seen the boy, he's in the care of wet nurses. I lost my mother the day I was born, I feel no pain for her, the pain I feel is for Aemma, the only mother I've ever had.

"We'll let you sleep," Alicent says gently, and we leave the room having done what we can for her, but she must mourn, there is no easy way to do so. When we're outside she asks me "Are you alright?"

I force myself to nod. "I loved the queen as my own mother, but it is Rhaenyra I worry for."

She nods in understanding, and reaches for me. "We have all lost a mother now. The pain... it does get easier."

I see the pain in her eyes, the loss of her own mother wounding her still, especially now. Silently I take her in my arms, needing someone to hold onto. In her embrace I feel safe enough to finally let the tears escape.

We stand there like that in silence until a guard comes.

"Lady Alicent, the hand has summoned you."

"Go," I tell her gently. "I'll be alright."

She nods, and is escorted by the guard to her fathers office.

In my loneliness I find myself walking to my fathers chambers, he will not be mourning, but I need him nonetheless. I need my father to hold me and tell me he understands, that it will be okay. He has never been affectionate in that manner, but he's always been there when I've needed him.

Yet when I come to his chambers he isn't there.

And so in the shadow of mourning over the keep I find myself coming to the barracks of the Goldcloaks.

"My Lady," Ser Harwin says, recognising me. "Are you looking for the prince?" I nod meekly, like a child seeking out their parent after a bad dream. "He has taken to the Street of Silk."

"To the brothels," I correct, saying what we both know. "Thank you for your assistance."

"Would you like me to get him for you?" he offers and I shake my head, swallowing my bitterness.

"He is mourning in his own way."

Alicent and I stand side by side at the funeral, the babe having passed in the night after his birth.

My father stands separate from us, his eyes on Rhaenyra, as they should be since she has lost her mother, but I cannot forget the necklace, cannot forget the unspoken tension between them.

But today is not the day for that. Today we mourn.

Again after the funeral I seek out my father to find him missing, this time I don't bother searching for him, able to hear the ruckus of the Goldcloaks ascending on the Street of Silk.

So instead I go to Rhaenyra who stares numbly at a candle flame in her room, tears staining her cheeks.

"Come," I say, extending my hand to her. "Syrax and Darkfyre have not flown together in so long."

A shadow of a smile comes to her face as she nods and takes my hand, and together we find our way to the Dragonpit.

When we return the next morning with tired eyes and reeking of dragon as Aemma would say, I'm surprised to find Alicent waiting for me in my chambers.

Yet I'm more alarmed at her demeanour.

"Are you alright?" I ask, immediately jumping to the most likely reason. "Did you have a fight with your father?"

"Viserra," she says quietly, her voice a whisper. "There is something... I- I cannot confide it in anyone."

I look at her confused. "What of Rhaenyra?"

"Especially not Rhaenyra."

That's when my stomach drops at the guilt in her eyes, and so I reach out to take her hand with a promise "I'm not Rhaenyra."

When she looks back at me her brown eyes are filled with tears. "Promise me, promise you won't tell a soul."

I'd never considered myself to be one to take oaths seriously, but in this moment I know I'll take whatever she says to the grave. "I swear it."

And somehow, despite who my father is, despite who I am, she trusts me.

"My father," she begins, voice weak. "He- he asked me to comfort the king."

A sentence that would sound so innocent if I did not know her, did not know her father. "Alicent-"

"I never touched him," she immediately insists, trying to defend herself even though there is nothing to defend. "I just read to him, I swear it, I would never-"

"Shhh," I say, pulling her in tight by her hands, trying to calm her. "I know, it is not me you need to defend yourself to."

That's when she breaks down "If Rhaenyra knew..."

She does not need to finish that sentence, for we both know well how she would react. She is rash, quick to temper, more my fathers daughter than I at times, she would take it as a betrayal and not let it go regardless of the truth.

"She doesn't need to know," I say, going against whatever morals Aemma tried to instil in me, honesty and integrity be damned. They are never things my father taught me. "Your father sent you to him, to his chambers?" She nods, not meeting my eye. "Nothing more happened, I believe that. You are not a seductress nor a mistress. You are a girl whose father is an ambitious man, this is his scheme not yours."

Her eyes are wide, afraid. "She won't believe that."

"But I do," I say, only then becoming aware of how close we are, and I take her face in my hands. "Our fathers despise one another for good reasons, my father is reckless and murderous and yours is calculating and starving for power, they are the second sons and always will be despite their best wishes. We do not need to be the pawns in their schemes."

She blinks at me confused. "Your father loves you, when has he ever used you?"

He hasn't. "You're right. My father merely wishes to rise me to his station, to Rhaenyra's, all he's done is try to make me a true Targaryen out of love. Your's would raise you to something far more dangerous, to be queen to further his own ambition."

She knows it, somewhere she must, but she sees little wrong. "What else is the purpose of a daughter?"

My heart breaks a little, breaks in realisation that my father may be the only one in Westeros who would never dream of marrying me off for his own standing, who would burn a man's city down before giving me as a bride. Then there's Otto Hightower.

It's then the door opens and there stands the bastard himself, the look on his face confuses me until I realise how he has caught us, in an embrace that would have me castrated if I was a man.

Alicent quickly drops my hands, lowering her head as her father enters and I stand there defiant at the man who would have his daughter, not even yet five and ten, a mistress for the king.

"Lord Hand," I say stiffly. "Is something the matter?"

If I was a man there certainly would be, but I am a girl, a girl found in an embrace with her companion. There is nothing wrong with it that he can justifiably make a fuss of.

But he seems not to mind, for there is already a smirk on his face. "Your father has been exiled."

I feel Alicents head whip around to me and I stand there, my blood turning cold as she grabs my arm and asks her father "What for?"

In Otto Hightower's eyes is the gleam of victory over my father, over me. He's basking in it.

"The heir for a day."

My head snaps up at those words, having heard my father remark them offhandedly after the funeral. "Where is the king?"

"You are not permitted to see him," he replies. "I have come to instruct you to pack your things, you may join your father or we can arrange for you to be taken to your stepmother in the Vale."

Alicent looks at her father in disbelief. "You can't mean-"

"I'm to be exiled as well?" I scoff, letting go of Alicent to confront her father. "Is this the king's order or yours?"

He pauses for just a moment too long and I'm pushing past him.

"Lady Viserra!"

I ignore him, running through the halls and attracting the attention of the Kingsguard who follow at the behest of Otto, yelling out orders from behind me, but it all stops the moment I enter the throne room and find Viserys sitting upon the throne.

"Uncle!" I cry out and he looks upon me in concern, out of breath and desperate as I come to my knees before the throne. "Uncle please, don't do this."

He sighs. "Viserra, if you are here to plead on behalf of your father-"

"What he said was regrettable, but exile?"

"It was not a decision I made lightly," he tries to reason. "I know you love your father, but you and I know better than any what sort of man he is."

"One who loves his brother and his king!" I argue getting to my feet as I hear Otto and the rest storming the throne room and even Viserys is alarmed by the sight. "Unlike this cunt here, who's revelling in getting rid of my father and I both!"

The throne room is silent until Viserys speaks. "Otto, did you tell the princess she is to be exiled along with Daemon?"

"She is no princess," he replies now my father is not here to take his tongue. "She is a bastard just as heinous as her father who will corrupt your daughter and mine both. Look at her now, causing a scene after I simply asked her to stay with her stepmother in the Vale."

Before Viserys can speak I turn to look at him, my voice as dangerous as my fathers. "If he were here he'd take your tongue." It's only then I see Alicent in the shadows watching on and something in my voice changes. "But I suppose that's the curse of second sons isn't it? To always be scraping at whatever scraps of power they can get? Even if it is throwing the daughter of your rival out of her own home behind the back of your king."

Viserys stands, voice as harsh as I've ever heard it. "I have lost my wife, I have lost my son, and now my brother. You would have my niece removed from this keep without my knowing? Have her taken from Rhaenyra's side as she is in mourning? All for the spite you bear her father!"

Otto is silent, having been put in his place by his king and a girl of four and ten.

Viserys must see Alicent in the shadows for he asks her "Lady Alicent, escort my niece back to her chambers."

I can almost feel Otto's blood boiling at his daughter being asked to wait on a bastard, but she doesn't see it that way, for she steps out of the shadows to take my arm.

"Thank you uncle," I say, leaving him and Otto to their devices. "But may I see my father off?"

A risky request, but he permits it. "Of course Viserra."

And so I find my father readying Caraxes at the dragon pit with a whore at his side.

"Father."

He turns to me, unsurprised to see me. "Good you're here, I've had the dragon keepers ready Darkfyre."

I just shake my head in disgust. "The heir for a day."

He sighs. "Yes I'll admit, it was distasteful, but it's said and done now. We're leaving for Dragonstone."

Something in the casualness of his voice makes something snap inside me. "And you never thought to come and get your daughter when you were being exiled?"

He merely shrugs. "I knew you'd find me."

"Except it was Otto Hightower who found me!" I yell and that gets his attention as he finally turns to look at me properly. "Is that how you wanted me to find out, him coming to my chambers revelling as he tells me we've both been exiled."

That's when it hits him. "If my brother-"

"Viserys was the one who fought for me, who stood up for me when Otto tried to have me exiled without his knowledge," I argue and scoff "While I had to defend myself against Otto Hightower in the throne room you were getting your whore and leaving me to the rats!"

The whore looks away as my father comes up to me, using a tone he rarely does. "Have you ever thought that my treatment of you is not neglect but rather faith? Faith that you don't need to be babied and managed like a child but instead treating you as you are, a dragon rider."

But I just look up at him, almost laughing with anger. "He called me a bastard, used it as justification to be rid of me. That I'm as heinous as you."

The look in his eye changes and his hand is on his sword. "If I was there-"

"You would have taken his tongue?" I finish. "Except you weren't. You were off with your whore, just like you were when you should have been with your brother mourning."

"It wasn't my wife who died, if it was I would have rented out the entire street to celebrate instead of three brothels."

I look at her, deciding to hit him where it hurts. "Try not to father another bastard seeing as you're content to damn the one you already have to a life of exile for a joke and a whore."

He grabs me, fingers bruising my arm, I try to pull it free but he doesn't let go. "Everything I have ever done is for you, and you fucking know it. If you want to be cruel so can I." I hold his eye, defiant. "I could be like Otto Hightower and sell you off the first chance that comes by, I could discard you, I could sell you to the brothels like bastard girls are. But here you are, a dragonrider and a Targaryen by name. The only reason that is, is because of me."

Despite the anger in his voice I see the fear in his eyes, the fear of losing the last person he has, the one who should love him unconditionally despite his sins.

"I'm staying here in Kings Landing," I say quietly, the cruellest words I could say at this very moment. He stares at me in disbelief, expecting me to follow it up with some type of contradiction, but I don't, and it's then he lets me go. "Did you ever realise Aemma was the closest thing I ever had to a mother?" He's silent, not realising I was mourning her also. "I needed you, and you ran off to the brothel to mourn the fact you had been disinherited. It would have only been for a day as you'd put so vocally if not for your own selfish desire to usurp what is Rhaenyra's."

I hit him where it hurts without realising it. "Do you think it was selfish wanting you to be my heir?"

"It was never about me, only you," I say with sorrow. "You know damn well a bastard would never stand to inherit the Iron Throne, and yet you would take it regardless of the crisis that would follow."

"I would," he says, without taking a moment to hesitate. "I would-"

"Have your niece?" I retort and for the first time I've caught him off guard. "I'm not blind, just disgusted." I look to his whore. "Don't be surprised if he tosses you aside for someone blonder and younger since he seems to desire girls who are barely bleeders."

He scoffs. "You make me sound horrible, this has nothing to do with desire."

"So you seduce your niece for the throne," I realise. "Because how could you ever truly be disinherited with her by your side?"

He ignores me, instead justifying it. "I have raised the greatest dragonrider there is, raised a true Valyrian, and yet despite you having every symbol of legitimacy you are still denied, no one would dare utter the word bastard if I stood to inherit the throne."

I see his delusion so clearly, even if it is spurned by love rather than ambition, it is still delusion.

"I have come to terms with what I am, now you must also."

With those words I turn my back on my father, my face does not betray how my heart cries but Darkfyre does. Her cries echoing as I return to the Red Keep.

When I make it back to my chambers it is not Rhaenyra or Viserys who stand there to offer comfort, but Alicent.

"I'm sorry," she says, but I have no more words left, instead walking into her embrace and holding her tight. Both of us bound now as the motherless daughters of second sons maddened by their own wants and ambitions.

Yet somehow the prospect is easier knowing I am not alone.

Days later we stand side by side as Rhaenyra is sworn as heir to the Iron Throne. My father has seized Dragonstone, a seat that should be her's now by right. He's gone while I remain.

And so I make the decision that will enrage my father, but one that is right.

"Lady Viserra Targaryen, daughter of Daemon Targaryen."

I step forward and kneel before Rhaenyra as I make my oath to her.

"I, Viserra Targaryen, swear to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the princess Rhaenyra. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit." I look up, knowing my oath is the one that has gathered the most attention of all in this room, a daughter betraying her father. "I swear this by the old gods and the new."

I stand and look Rhaenyra in the eye, my friend, my sister in all but name, and pray I have made the right decision.

Taglist:

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acutemushroom · 5 months

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Who might be Tinky's and Blinky's prophets ?

So, I adhere to the theory that each Lord in Black has a prophet. It goes with the whole "God" thing and most of them have known ones, so it isn't a stretch to assume they all have. The problem is....who are Tinky's and Blinky's ?

I mean, we the answer is obvious for the rest of them. Wiggly has Linda and Wilbur; Pokey has (the very unwilling) Paul and the (much more willing) Otho; Nibbly has Roman Murray, Linda's father; and Webby has Hannah as her prophet.

But the other two ?

Tinky's prophets would be the Spankoffski brothers ? Not completely impossible, it would make sense even. But they really feel more like well, toys to him. All the other prophet seems to be somewhat respected by their patron in a weird way.

By that I mean that their lords give them an actual goal (feed me, bigger the hive, sell dolls, ect), a task to expend their domain. What are the brothers really doing to expand Tinky's powers, concretely ? So yeah, I am doubtful about them. Not impossible. If that theory is right, they are the more likely to be the canon ones. But I really don't see it.

For Blinky, it's completely up in the air ! I mean, we know he is the most sadistic. So, someone who is either really good at making people suffer or is just a complete punching bag with a freaking dramatic life ? He is also the One with a Thousand Eyes, so someone that is in a position to gain plenty of information on a lot of people ? Alice and Bill ? They where his victims in Watcher World, but I doubt Blinky would want them after Alice shot him. Grace Chasity then ?

She's my best guess, actually. We know she ends up working for the Lords at the end. Being one of the nerdy prudes, I'd say she saw a lot of suffering, even if she didn't receive any (the apex bully having a big crush on her does help). Also, her religiousness. She believes in the eternal suffering in Hell of those who go against her faith. She killed who knows how many dudes because of it. Although she had good intentions, she created the rumours that brought Stephanie to camp Idontwannafuck. Also, the whole "God is watching over our actions" thing that goes with her faith. No, really she'd be a real possible candidate.

Or I might be completely wrong and they are characters that are not even introduced yet !

Either way, it is just a theory.Though, I am curious on who you might think they are ? :)

#hatchetverse #team starkid #nerdy prudes must die #nightmare time #nightmare time spoilers #the lords in black #grace chasity #alice woodward #ted spankoffski #pete spankoffski #blinky #blinklotep #tinky #t'noy karaxis #theory

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rd0265667 · 10 months

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Minji x Reader: Game on

Permanent Taglist: @cwpiqwon @justme-idle

2016

"Oh my god, Y/N, get to the lane now, you're throwing my ranked game" She teased as you rolled your eyes "I'm coming, I'm coming, watch me carry your 2-4-1 ass." You shot back, earning a swift smack to the neck "You got lucky, but thanks for the save bro." She said, a smug smile on your face as you finished the team wipe. "Some would argue I deserve a kiss for that." You proposed, leaning in close as she smirked, leaving a light kiss on your cheek. "Of course my love."

Current day

Sweat dripped from your brow, your thumbs twitching. This was make or break time

From the side, you could faintly hear the commentators.

"Can Ursa do it? This is the final push made by CK, and with Ursa's Miya at half health and K's Alice with both her Winter Truncheon and Petrify on cooldown, it's going to be a tough fight against a full team of 5. And OH! It's in! Alice has popped her ultimate, initiating the team fight.She gets controlled by Franco but what's this? Ursa activated her inspire and OH CK IS COLLAPSING, TRIPLE KILL, MANI-, OH SAVAGE, URSA HAS DONE IT!" The commentator screamed as you breathed a sigh of relief, your mage was down but you had managed to get the enemy team, securing the win as you ran to finish the base. "And just like that, ZG has won the 2022 MLBB tournament! MVP of course goes to the captain of ZG, Ursa! Using a relatively off-meta character like Miya all season, enemies have grown to regret underestimating Ursa, now let's go over to the podium to have a chat with the MVP!"

At the podium, you were all smiles as the interviewer asked the routine questions. "So, Y/N. How do you feel about the win?" "The team is ecstatic. We've worked our whole season to this, and to see our efforts be rewarded is great." "There has been rumors of you retiring soon, not uncommon for someone of your age in the esports industry, comment?" "No comment." "There's been talks about you collaborating with MLBB for an ad? Care to comment on that?" "Yes, and I'm really excited about it. That's all I can really say for now, ML please don't fire me." You jokingly pleaded to the camera, as the reporters chuckled at your reaction "Before I let you go, anyone thing you would like to say?" "I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me through my entire career, including a very special person who has been with me all this while." You said to the camera, smiling as the reporters clambered, excited for new gossip.

Meanwhile, at the dorm of NewJeans

"Where are th-, Minji Unnie!" Hyein shouted out, frantically pushing around the kitchen cabinets, pulling her leader out of her thoughts. "Where are the cup noodles" Hyein shouted, as Minji scurried over, opening the packet for her. "Still watching that competition?" Hyein commented as Minji held her phone away defensively, before turning away and looking at her screen longingly. "Stop teasing her Hyein-ah, you know she loves that game. She even got us into it. Haerin loves that furry too." Hanni commented as Haerin pounced on Hanni "Her name is Joy!" She grumbled, as Hanni rolled her eyes. "Just remember to help me the next time I get ganked in the middle lane, Pharsa is so squishy." Hanni complained, Danielle chuckling. "Oh, Minji Unnie, Management told me to inform you, you have a brand advertisement soon!" Danielle told Minji, as she looked over, slightly confused. "Yeh, Moonton heard that you enjoyed the game so they want you to represent them for an advertisement." 'Wait, An ad for Mobile Legends?' "Did they say who I'd be doing it with?" "Yeh, that Esports pro you like so much, Y/N."

"So, Y/N, there will be two advertisements. One will be an interview with you, what got you into Mobile Legends or gaming in general. Then, the second will be a short skit, with a story centred around the game. I know you aren't exactly an actor but I doubt you'd struggle too much. Is that alright?" Your liaison texted, as you sent back a quick back an acknowledgment, resting on your couch.

"Oh, hey babe, congrats on the win today." Karina(ps, not an idol) said somewhat absentmindedly, fiddling with her prada bag. "Thanks, I got you a gift." You whispered, reaching into your bag and grabbing a small box, Karina's head immediately bolting up, a smile across her face, as she grabbed the small box from you. What was it? Jewelry? A necklace? A new watch? Her smile slowly faded though, as the box opened to reveal cards. Titled, 52 reasons I love you. Seeing her smile disappear, your eyebrows furrowed, did she not like it? "What's wrong?" You asked, as Karina quickly tried to brush it off. "I'm just tired, I'll get some rest now alright?" Karina said, tossing the card onto the table as she scurried to the room, your eyes stuck on the card that took you hours. You sighed, guess she just had a long day huh? It's been years of long days. Sighing, you went to wash up, laying in bed seeing your teammates party together on Instagram

You were lost in the maze of the production studios, taking a crew member to basically pull you by the hand to the interview sight. After a quick visit to the makeup studio, you found yourself situated in a high chair, next to an interviewer. "So Y/N. Tell me about how you got into Mobile Legends and the realm of E-sports." "It began in high school..."

2016

"Get off that game! We have midterms next week!" You shouted, rolling your eyes as your girlfriend mockingly shook her head, the both of you chuckling as you ran to her, tugging her by the hand "Who are you playing anyways?" You peeked over her shoulder, her right shoulder pushing you away as she tried to finish the game "Her name's Miya, she's pretty fun to play" She offhandedly said, the base exploding on the screen as you saw her queue for a next game. "Aish Min, let's make a deal. We study for this midterms for the next week, then I play with you after the exams alright?" You proposed, as her eyes twinkled, nodding before pecking you on the cheek, setting her phone aside.

"She taught me to play Miya, and after that, she kinda stopped due to busying schedules, so I've played Miya since." "Miya huh? Is that why you play her predominantly?" The interviewer asked, as you nodded "So is this mystery woman the same person you referenced previously? She seems like she means a ton to you." The interviewer question, as a sense of nostalgia washed over you. "No, sadly she and I drifted apart due to differing careers that took different paths. I'm glad to see that she's been doing well though! I see her on TV all the time now." You explained, the interviewers eyebrow perking up. "Oh, so she's a celebrity!" You smiled a little, shrugging as you continued the interview. Close to the site, a nervous Minji sat at her makeup table, close enough to hear the interview going on, happy that you still remembered her, but still unsure on how the encounter to come was going to go.

Stretching as you got off the interview chair, you went back to your bags. A crew member handed you a script, as you slowly read through it. "Who's Lead 2?" You asked the crew member, who looked at you curiously. "Oh, you didn't know? I supposed I could introduce you to her." She pointed behind you, as you slowly turned, seeing a lady, shrinking into herself, fingers fidgeting "Minji?"

"So, how've you been?" You asked, trying to break the awkward air between you and the NewJeans starlet. "Good, been busy with comebacks, and this should be my last schedule until I go for a break with the rest of the girls." Minji said, her eyes trailing away from you as she didn't want to catch that gaze she missed all this time. 'Get it together Minji.' "So I heard you're a fan. Who's your bias?" Minji asked, as you shot back a cheeky smile "Oh it has to be Haerin." You said, as Minji rolled her eyes, grumbling, then chuckling at your cheeky smile "Why is that?" Minji asked, a silent rage building up. "She's likes to mess with you, that's enough for me." You teased, as Minji whined. The awkward air about the two of you disappeared, Minji chasing you as you two ran around the room, Minji smiling throughout the chase, this scene not an uncommon one when the two of you were high school sweethearts

"Well, it's good to see the two of you being so well acquainted. Could I explain the advert?" The director asked, as the two of you stopped your chase, nodding. "So, we were thinking of shaking up the way we make our advertisements, and we wanted to make a new cinematic with the two of you, showcasing the story of Cecillion and Carmilla."

As the director went through the briefing, Minji felt both excitement and dread. She knew you were with someone else, and this felt wrong, but recreating a romantic story with the person who still owned her heart was almost everything she could ask for. "There's been some issues with the props so we're going to need to rework, so we'll just be rehearsing some of the basic scenes, is that okay?" The director asked, as the two of you nodded

"How is this more tiring than dance classes?" Minji panted as she collapsed into her chair, gulping down her water as you chuckled, tossing her a towel for her to dry her sweat "Oh, Y/N, are you free tonight? You want to grab dinner and catch up?" "Rain check? I've got to get to Karina. See you soon okay?" Minji nodded, hiding her disappointment as you rushed off. 'Karina' Minji thought to herself bitterly

"Minji, you're back! What's wrong?" Hanni exclaimed as she saw her leader trudge back into the house, eyes slightly puffy. "Y/N has someone else..." Minji whispered, Hanni's face morphing into a look of pity, and understanding, quickly ushering the teary eyed girl into the house. Minji crashed onto the sofa, how could things have gone so wrong?

"I won a 1 v 3 and comments still called ME a liability. Can you believe that! Minji? Min?" You stopped your ramble, turning to your girlfriend, seeing her blanking in the air. She quickly jolted up, turning to you with an apologetic smile "Sorry, I'm just kinda tired. What did you say?" She pinched herself, shaking herself awake as you were wracked with guilt. You knew what your girlfriend was putting herself through to be here. She was spending hours training to be an Idol, working herself to the bone, but here she was, sneaking away from her dorm in the middle of the night to steal fleeting moments with you. That was all she needed to keep going, but that wasn't what you wanted for her. You didn't want her to exhaust herself all to placate you. You knew this wasn't easy for her. Her deep eyebags that she attempted to hide with concealer, her bruises from hours of training that she assured you weren't serious, her near brushes at getting caught escaping. "Minji, could we talk?" You lightly held her hand, as she straightened her posture, slightly afraid at the change of tone. "I hope you know that I love you. But I don't think we can work anymore." You confessed, Minji's face dropping "What are you talking about?" Minji muttered, shook in disbelief. "We can't work, Minji. You're training for hours on end to be a trainee, and I'm training to be an E-sports player. You spend hours training, then still rush to be with me. I...I just don't think I'm worth all this effort. Your career and well-being is more important than me. Besides, once you become an idol, what of us? The media finds out and tears us down. Or the company gets to us first. We don't work, Min." Minji knew there was truth in your words. She loved you, and she loved her little stolen moments with you. But this was getting too much for her. She was pushing her body to the absolute brink, and she could feel it giving up on her. The two of you had always heard that Love required sacrifice, and that they had to fight to stay together. But what was the point of fighting to stay together, only to have to fight again? The battle grew repetitive. She knew she should have said no. She loved you too much to let you go. But this was for the best, she thought. The best for whom? For either of you? For any of you? She didn't know. But she did what she thought was right "Are we breaking up?" Minji whispered between her tears "I don't want to hold you back." You said through a small forced smile "Can you just hold me now?" Minji muttered back, you nodded profusely as you ran to her, holding her in your embrace as she sobbed into your chest. Calming her down, the two of you looked at each other, Minji and you sharing one last loving look, before leaving your house

"Hey Rina, I'm H-" You could barely speak out before she pushed you to the wall, putting her lips onto yours as you shared a deep kiss "Rina, I need to tell you something." You quickly said, in the brief moment of reprieve Karina smelled of alcohol, reeked of it. In her intoxicated stake, she held you as she tried to make out with you "I'm retiring from E-sports. Just to live a more basic life for awhile." With that, Karina bolted up, seemingly out of her drunken stupor. "Are you serious? Where's the money in a basic life." She mocked, inverted commas and an exaggerated facial expression telling you all you needed to know about her thoughts. "I just want to settle down with you, Rina. What's wrong with that?" Karina walked to you, grabbed your cheeks and pulling them hard. "Aish, Y/N you stupid little baby, did you really think I'm with you for your personality. Fuck off with that childish sentiment. What am I going to stay with you for if you're just gonna be some broke little shit." Karina spouted venom, words stabbing you and hurting you to the core. Speechless, you backed away, running out of the house, you had to get away. Far away.

"Y/N, Y/N! Are you okay?" Minji lightly nudged as you sat dazed at the set, her forehead creasing as she saw your face devoid of life, hair disheveled. "Yeh, don't worry about it Min." You tried to force a smile, running your hand through you hair as you tried to look more composed. "Here, got this for you." Minji set a cup down next to you, before moving to the makeup set. Milk tea, with evaporated milk. For the first time since the night before, an albeit small, but genuine smile formed on your face. It's been years, but she still remembered.

"You look stupid." Minji quipped, smiling as she saw you fidgeting in the clunky suit Cecillion wore "Hey, I save your life in the future Miss Carmilla, don't be mean." You chuckled, as Minji rolled her eyes "Whatever bro." Despite your lack of sleep and still being angry at Karina, you couldn't help but laugh and revert back to the person you were all those years ago, the one Minji would mess with, the one who would mess with Minji, the one laughing at Minji as she saw the suit she had to wear for her role as Carmilla. You couldn't help but miss the person you were with Minji "Do you wanna rehearse?" Minji asked, script in hand as the two of you sat, nodding in response "We can't be together, Carmilla. I'm different...your father doesn't approve of me. We don't work." You delivered the line, trying to ignore the anguish on Minji's face as the familiar line brought up feelings of regret and pain "No, I must be with you Cecillion. Our love is too great to let anyone separate us!" Minji quickly composed herself, anxiously fixing a strand of her hair "My love, I would only burden you. Don't you see that?" "My dearest Cecillion, you're worth it, you're worth it all ." Minji said, a pang in her heart. She should have told you this all those years ago. She loved being an idol, but it all rang hollow in the face of the loneliness and isolation she faced outside of her bandmates. She wanted, no, yearned for someone to care for her the way you did. Someone to hold her the way you did. She yearned for someone to love her the way you did. She yearned for you.

Sitting at your high chair after taking off your Cecillion costume, you watched on as Minji took promotional pictures of her in the Carmilla costume, her aura captivating as you couldn't keep your eyes off her, her eye smile melting you. You'd truly missed Minji. You cracked a small smile as you reminisced upon your shared moments together. Studying together, gaming together, being together, growing together. Despite being with Karina, even before events of the previous night, you never felt really happy. You tried your hardest to make things work with Karina. But it was different. Karina didn't care for you the way Minji did. Karina didn't appreciate the little gestures you would do the way Minji did. Karina wouldn't notice the small things like Minji did. Karina didn't love you the way Minji did.

Minji stood outside your changing room, nervously pacing as she pondered if she should ask you out to dinner again. She wanted you back, but you were already in another relationship. She didn't want to be a home-wrecker, especially if you were happy That concern was quickly quashed however, as screams could be heard from your changing room. Concerned, Minji slowly peeked in, seeing a blonde girl wreaking havoc in your changing room "You're leaving me? After all I've done for you!" The blonde girl shouted, Minji looking on as you stood with your hands cross, massaging your temples in annoyance. "If all you want is a piggy bank to squeeze, then it's not going to be me Karina. I can't spend my life with someone who only sees me for my money." You spoke, trying to keep your composure "Oh, so you just want that Minji girl, huh? You never forgot her huh? Get the fuck out of here, off your fucking high horse." Karina shot back, pushing you by the shoulder as you struggled to keep calm 'Me? Have I never left your mind?' "I've never claimed to be the perfect significant other Karina. I tried my best to forget about her, love you with all my heart, but it took meeting her again for me to realise that I never stopped loving Minji, but I've tried my best to make you the happiest person in the world, tried to love you with my every being, but you don't love anything without a dollar sign next to it. You disregarded my handmade gifts, only ever excited if you saw 5 numbers and above. I sacrificed my relationship with my teammates, my friends, to spend more time with you, but you didn't care. You never cared. I won't have it any further Karina." By now, your knuckles grew white, trying to contain an implosion, while the girl outside the room stood stunned, but also relieved. At this moment, you loosened your knuckles, realising the door was slightly ajar, noticing the shellshocked girl outside the door Following your gaze, Karina saw Minji, gaze steeling in recognition as she stared at Minji, anger evident. Karina stormed at Minji, hand raised in an aggressive position as Minji stumbled back, trying to avoid the confrontation. "It's all because of you!" Karina shouted, swinging her hand down at Minji, but you caught her by the wrist. "That's enough, Karina. Leave before I call security on you. You can stay at my apartment for the next few days till you can find somewhere else to stay, once you can, please leave." Your grip on her wrist remained firm, as Karina wrestled her hand out of yours, muttering curses as she stormed off the set, crew members staring at the cause of the commotion. You grabbed Minji by the hand, but unlike the way you had gripped Karina when stopping her hand, your hold on her was gentle. Leading Minji to your room, you let her sit, grabbing her a cup of water "Sorry about that Min." You muttered, embarrassed at what had transpired with Karina. Minji was still in shock, only nodding as she sipped her water. Noticing her slight tremble, you got your jacket, draping it over her shoulder, then taking a seat next to her. "How much did you hear?" You nervously asked, struggling to let it out of your mouth. "Enough." She whispered back, as you nodded, settling back uncomfortably in your seat. "Did you mean it?" Minji asked, turning her head as she braced for the worst. "About loving you? Every word." You said with resolution, Minji looking back at you with shock. The two of you sat in silence for a short while, an awkward and tense air between the two of you as the both of you digested what had transpired. "For what it's worth, I never stopped either." Minji whispered, her hand reaching out and grabbing your hand, holding it close to her as you let out a gentle smile. Scooting towards her, you leaned on her shoulder, feeling her hand around your shoulder. "Wanna grab dinner?" She whispered "1v1, loser pay." You quipped, whipping your phone out as you stuck your tongue out.

"For old time sakes huh? Well, don't forget who taught you how to play the game L/N. It's time for the Master to humble the apprentice." She theatrically spoke as she raised her finger at you in challenge. "You're not in the suit anymore, speak normal people words Bro." You teased, as Minji came down from her comical bender, sheepishly scratching her head as she bumped you. Queueing into the game, you noticed both of you never changed your IGN, keeping the cringey couple name you guys had made way back. Looking at her, she smiled, leaning over to peck you on the cheek, before leaning down, the gamer posture breaking out "Game on my love"

#fluff #rd0265667 #minji #minji x reader #kim minji x reader #newjeans x reader #newjeans minji #minji fanfic #kim minji fanfic #new jeans kim minji fanfic

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simpingland · 1 year

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Taste of Wine and Smell of Lavender // Aemond Targaryen x OC!fem!Dayne

At that very intense dinner with the "Velaryon" boys, Ashara Dayne, betrothed with Prince Aemond wants to know why is he so stuck in the past. Meanwhile, Aemond is surprised by her true character and charisma.

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She ran around the halls with a fast pace, she knew that she was being excessively late tonight. And Alicent was going to be pissed at her. And she was right, when the doors opened again just for her to enter, the first eyes she caught were the Queen's. Even the poor King was already there. Nobody stood to greet her, and the "Velaryon" boys looked at her with a hidden grin. The Targaryen girls looked at her with a raised eyebrows. The princess Rhaenyra side eyed her, as she was previously talking with her husband. Aegon did laugh, and Helaena gave her a sweet smile, happy to see her there. She couldn't look at Aemond, too ashamed of herself.

"Sorry im late, your majesties..." she apologised. "I'd lost track of time, and I didn't know the room the dinner was being held."

"It's alright, dear, take a seat." Spoke the King with a kind tone.

It was not alright, she knew that. This was a special occasion and she just acted like a stupid child, when she was a grown woman, about to get married and a part of the royal house in Westeros. Anyway, she better take her seat, besides his future husband, Aemond.

He didn't look at her, but she did, trying to smile at him. He looked colder that usual, and she understood the reason when she looked at the person in front of her. Lucerys Velaryon was enjoying his dinner at the other side of the table. The boy was handsome, and at the soft lights of the candles and surrounded by his family, remembering that he was the one cutting out Aemond's eye with a knife was hard to believe. She wasn't there when it happened, but Helaena told her all about that night.

Aemond had fault in those events, in her opinion. Not only he took Vaghar, but he was very close to killing Jace, his own nephew. Helaena told her as well about the bullying. But for the gods...every kid carries a pain, that is not excuse for being cruel. She fears for her future marriage, but it was an important political move, her mother and Alicent reminded her about it every day.

"Lady Ashara" called Rhaena, the sweeter twin, apparently. "Have you been to Skyfall lately?"

"Yes, I have, princess. My brother just fathered his first kid...a boy" she told her. How much she missed her hometown. His brother, now the Lord of Skyfall, was the head of the house of Dayne. It was extremely hard to say goodbye this second time she left to come back to King's Landing. She told him about Aemond's ignorance towards her. But her mother, a Lannister woman, told her to stop her weeping and get on the carriage again.

"How sweet, to be an aunt." Said Rhaena. And started a conversation with Rhaenyra.

Ashara swallowed a bit of her wine, and she almost choke at the terrible taste of it. It was not of her likening, thank the Seven, no one noticed. She left the cup on the table and pushed it away from her, not realising that Aemond caught her, and smoothly, he took the cup, giving her his. When she looked at him confused he was already drinking from it. Aemond's cup had another drink, another smell. When she tried, she identified the drink. White whine, uncommon in the Red Keep, very common in Skyfall. She smiled down at her cup and thanked Aemond, pulling her hand in his hand, but he pulled away.

She was not aware of Aegon's insults towards Jace, so when he stood up, she jumped on her sit. And she was scared again when Aemond stood up as well. The boy gave a sweet toast wishing his uncles for the best, but he was clearly annoyed. Ashara couldn't hid it, it made her smirk, and she left out a little snort when Aegon said a soft and humilliating "to you as well". Aemond did look at her then, and she started to look at her own cup as if the wine just started talking. When Aemond sat again, she was saved by Helaena, who stood up to toast too.

"I would like to toast to Baena, Rhaena and Ashara. They'll be married soon..." oh, gods, this was becoming depressing. The smirk fade completely in Ashara's face. "It isn't so bad.. mostly he just ignores you" well, she already knew that feeling. "Except sometimes when he's drunk."

Daemon laughed, and Otto gave her an approval word. But Ashara found that part absolutely devastating. Poor sweet Helaena, married to that prince. Everybody knew about yesterday's rape of that young servant girl. The only hope left for Ashara was Aemond's dignity, something that always separated him from his brother. The Dayne girl's face dropped again and Aemond saw it. Many nights he had seen her leave her food on the plate. She grew quiet on his presence, but with Helaena or the ladies at court he could see her giggleling and talking none stop. But he didn't know how to comfort her, he was not a romantic man, he was a protective one. If only that could be enough. He also got stressed at her, she was always late at everything, spoke way too laud for his likening, was a gossip of great talent, and a terrible horse rider.

Something stroke both brothers when Jace took Helaena for a dance. Ashara found it sweet, but she understood that for them it was some type of dare. She looked at Aemond, who looked at her back for a while and she gave him a smile. Like the ones she had given him for the past three months, the months she had been there.. He didn't return it, because he could sense in her a feeling of disconfort. But he did have trouble looking away from her. That night she looked prettier that usual and he understood why she was late. She also smelled incredibly well, the instant in which she sat beside him, the feeling of hipocrasy in the room left for a bit. He watched her enjoy the wine, she was for sure missing Helaena by her side, and Aemond thought of her as the sweetest sight of the room. The King was carried away from the room, and only Rhaenyra and Daemon stood up. When a pig was brought to the table, Aemond and Ashara heard a little giggle. And they found Luke smirking. She couldn't remember the joke of it, but she knew Aemond was getting tense, and that Luke was a bit of a deadass for such a dumb movement.

Aemond punched the table and Ashara had her second heart attack that night. He brought the cup up, the music stopping at the second.

She was puzzled by his speech, but she did caught the fact the he had insinuated that the boys were bastards of the deceased Harwin Strong. Helaena told her about that as well. Jace got it at the instant and the fighting started. Ashara watched as Aemond received a punch, and he smiled while she panicked. She stared at the fight getting as far away from the table as possible. Helaena was the one pushing her aside until Daemon broke the fight. Aemond walked out of the room, leaving everyone behind, and Ashara left soon after.

She wanted to reach him, to ask him why he had chose violence over a silly boy laughing at him. The House Targaryen was falling a part and he decided to ruin the chance of fixing things. She decided to follow him. It was late and the halls were in complete silence, so she tracked his footsteps without problem. He was heading to the yard, the gods knew why.

"Prince Aemond" she called once she got closer, he walked still.

"It's late, my lady. You should go back to your quarters" he commanded.

"I'm not tired." She refused. Ashara had to run a bit to finally put herself beside him. "I really wish to know what happened there."

"Well, didn't you see? I toasted for my ungrateful nephews and they didn't enjoy it"

"That I saw and that you know. I'm not stupid."

"I didn't say you were, I just thought you were late to the events, as you are well used to."

"Please, stop it."

"What do you want" he finally stopped on his track, pulling himself over her, towering her to make her regret her insolence. She did not, but she did blushed.

"The truth..." she tried to raise her voice but it was harder than she thought. "Something there has triggered you to the point of ruining the last chance of this family to make amends."

"You speak as if you were part of this family, as if you had been here all this time." He gave her his back, walking slowly towards the training section of the yard. Only a few torches left to illuminate the place.

"I do know things...I haven't waste my time here all this months." She kept following him, but a bit further than before. "I will be part of it soon, as well..."

"Well then, you go and found out, my lady. There's no need for me to be the one informing you. So...fuck off, my lady."

"The fuck I'm going!" She screamed. She left Aemond turning around, surprised by the sudden outburst of the lady. "I'm tired of rumors about you...My body, my loyalty, my entire life has been handed to you. The least you could do is tell me why did you make such a comment. It's fucking treason, Aemond."

He wished to be alone in the yard and do a bit of fencing before going to bed, leaving his anger out of the bed. But with this little bitch throwing facts at his face it was impossible to do that. He could threaten her, but there where already two miserable woman in his family, and he hated the men that hurt them, Aemond's biggest honor was to find himself different to them.

"The pink thread..." he spoke softly. "Aegon, Jace and Luke gave me a pig when I was a dragonless kid"

"I heard Luke laugh, but I still don't understand why" she felt brave enough to get closer to him.

"They put a fucking pig in front of us. And that fucking little bastard started laughing" he explained. She was starting to understand where he was going. "He ripped my eye, with no consequence at all and up until this day he has the nerve to laugh at me."

"My prince, Prince Lucerys is a stupid teenage boy. Everybody knows he's a bastard, you can not take offense of such a... moron." Aemond smiled at such a mean insult.

"But that moron is the fucking heir of Driftmark. He's going to be married to a true Velaryon girl, and two fucking eyes"

Ashara didn't know what to say. The stories she was told made her disagree with Aemond. He did wrongs and this was immature. If only she could make him reason...but sadly, Aemond did not had her as a priority, so her opinion was nothing to him but a bother.

He watched her struggle. "What are you plotting now?" He asked. He had seen that face, the one she put every time she couldn't speak her mind during dinners. It was the face she put when Aegon said the most disgusting story of the day. Or when Helaena was out of her reach for gossiping at feasts.

"Can I speak my mind? Truthfully?" He nodded. "You are wasting to much time and spirit at pitying yourself, my prince."

"Pitiying?" His tone was an angry one and she became nervous but kept on talking.

"You are older, bigger, smarter and way more powerful that those boys. He took your eye because you were about to fucking kill his brother. If Helaena is right, that night at Driftmark you claimed a dragon with no protection and you made Jace, Luke, Baela and Rhaena bite the dust of the floor unarmed. You are the rider of Vhagar, a dragon of the fucking Conquest. The dragon rode by Visenya, the best Targaryen fighter in it's history. It must be a tragedy to lose an eye of the face being a boy. I was burying my dear father on the ground when I was a girl, and I would give both eyes just to speak with him again. If you think you are missing something for the eye you lost just open the other one fucking left."

She pulled away from him, fearing his reaction, but he did nothing but nod. She decided to continue, feeling as if she just scolded too much. "You think of me whatever you wish, but what you do concerns me, my prince. If I have to give you a family I have to protect it as well. And tl9ur family is in the future, not in the past. Is not in Driftmark, nor in the other side of the table giggleling. Your family is what is important and your family is me and I'm in front of you. I know you see me. Stop looking away. Please."

She swallowed. Worrying about his reaction she looked at the floor. Silence invaded the yard.

"I ignored the Daynes were so bold..." he finally said.

"They are when they have a sword in their hands."

"But you have no sword."

"It might be the half Lannister in me, my prince."

"Right, I forgot..." he got closer to her. "I have payed way too little attention to you. I knew you speak way too much, but I never thought I would enjoy that."

"I'll take that as a courtesy" she blurted.

"But you don't know, not really. You don't know how it feels the need to cover half of your face to hide the disgusting wound made by a little bastard. What you know is that you are going to spend the rest of your life with such a dishonour beside you."

"What dishonor, my prince? I will never be ashamed of something which I'm not guilty" she corrected him, again, she put her hand over his arm, this time he didn't pushed her away.

"If I showed you my eye you would walk away in fear."

"Do it, I might go fuck off, just like you wanted."

He took of the patch, showing her the stone buried in his eye, or the hole where his real eye was missing. She smiled at him, and he frowned.

"It's a very pretty stone, my prince... it shines beautifully with this little light."

"Are you pitying me, Ashara?"

"No...in fact I'm kind of scared of you." She admitted, making Aemond smirk.

"Don't be. I didn't know you were such a sharp tongue girl...kept laughing at Aegon at dinners and I might end up loving you." This made her laugh, and she promised to do that. She did look pretty at the light of the torches as well, but he preferred her with the sun above her, her features illuminated and her smile fully displayed. "Do you know something about fencing, my lady?"

"I forgot the little I had practice as a kid."

"Want to learn?"

"I don't really like Ser Criston much, I'm afraid." This made Aemond laugh because she spoke in a tone of complete honesty.

"Then I'll have to teach you."

"Alright...don't know if Queen Alicent will approve." She half joked.

"I won't tell her. We will met here late at night, so no one see it."

"That's a very nice offer after everything I have said to you... I feel like there's a trick."

"You think that because you are half Lannister. But there is a condition."

"I was right then." She smiled. Aemond put both of her hands around his shoulders, and he put his hands around her hips.

"In exchange..." He whispered in her ear. "I want a taste of your lips."

She moved one of her hands to touch his face, softly, feeling the beard growing a bit in his chin, invisible to the eyes, and she caressed the eyebrow from his missing eye. She kissed the temple from the missing eye's side and when Aemond felt her breath reaching his lips he moved to caught her our of eagerness, but she smoothly moved away and smiled at him. Finally, she connected her lips to his. It was slow, wet and warm, with a mix of red and white wine.

His family was right there, under the moonlight, kissing his brushed cheek, the patch on the floor and her hands on his neck. She smelled of sweet lavender.

#game of thrones fanfiction #house of the dragon #house of the dragon fanfiction #aemond targaryen #house of the dragon x oc #aemond targaryen imagine #aemond targaryen x oc #house of the dragon imagines #aemond targaryen x reader #ewan mitchell fanfic #ewan mitchell #aemond one eye #aemond fic #aemond targaryen reader #aemond targaryen fanfic #prince aemond #aemond fanfiction #house of the dragon aemond #aemond the kinslayer

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explosionshark · 11 months

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I've seen like one episode of Buffy maybe but I've watched most of Angel including the episodes that had Faith in them and I feel I understand the concept of Buffy the show and the character, anyway should I read Faith/Buffy fanfic and if so which ones?

god okay i REALLY think you should watch buffy though. i mean, i'm remarkably biased because it's one of my all-time favorite shows, but if you have the time and even the slightest bit of interest i'd recommend at least season 3 (IDEALLY. season 2 + 3 because they are very much part of one big conversation, but if you can only commit to one thing then i'd say prioritize s3 for the faith arc).

BUT you didn't ask me about that, you asked me if you should read faith/buffy fanfic so - yeah! yes. there's a lot out there that's SO good, of course you should read it.

i think ground-up AUs are good for this bc you can read them with basically no knowledge of the source (i mean. it's enhanced by source knowledge, but you can get by without) for this I'd recommend the no-powers college AU 2001 by @morningsound15, which does an incredible job of translating the important parts of the characters and their relationships and hang-ups and issues to a world where they aren't wrapped up in supernatural shenanigans.

Aside from that, I think there are a few season-rewrites that are pretty accessible if you've got a basic working understanding of the show and the characters. Some of my favorites are:

Coexist by @coraniaid which is a lovely (and recently completed!) canon-divergence AU that explores what would change if it was Giles, not Jenny Calendar, who was killed by Angelus in season 2. It's a rare type of AU that consistently surprises me with how intricate and thoughtful it is in exploring the ripple effects of such a huge change and it does some great character work with both Faith and Buffy.

to hold off the lightning by @episode5s which is a season 3 AU that picks up about halfway through s3. Again we get some really amazing character work (the character voice here is just insanely good) with a lot of amazing fallout from another canon-divergence point - what if Faith was able to be walked back from the ledge after killing Allen Finch? It's a tricky proposition - I genuinely think a lot of the best parts of Faith's character arc are tied into the fact that she has her heel turn and goes dark, but here the author is able to preserve all the best of the tension and trauma of that arc, while still allowing things to play out differently. Incredible slowburn romance here, too.

Finally, I'd be remiss to write a fuffy fic rec list without touching on a truly inspirational all-timer from one of the fandom's best and most prolific writers: the Vengeance verse fics by @aliceinwondrbra. The series begins with Vengeance a Wishverse AU - season 4 Buffy meets an alternate universe version of Faith that didn't go dark and experiences a belated gay awakening in the course of working together. The sequel, Hypnopompia, is where things really take off for me - back in her universe, Buffy is determined to help Faith. There's a ton of great stuff here: shared coma dreams, Faith redemption, a really great exploration of Faith and Buffy's sexuality and related traumas. Alice is one of the best in the biz when it comes to voice - absolute, total pro. I read this fic like two years ago and it changed my brain. Left me feeling like "wow, I want to write something that will make other people feel the way I felt reading this" and I don't know if I've done that yet, but I'm gonna keep trying.

ALL those fics are great and I can't recommend them enough. Luckily for you, if you want to get into this, the fandom has been going strong for years and there's a ton of good stuff out there I haven't linked here. There's plenty to discover. Enjoy!

#replies #Anonymous #fic recs #fuffy #btvs

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clarajohnson · 3 months

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the magicians s2e7

STOP IGNORING ME STOP IGNORING ME YOU PUSSY !!!!!!

you will know exactly what i'm going to say i'm going to say it until she goes away. i love you niffin alice.

one of these dummies is gonna call the brain police and you've got priors!

Evil Things Inside of Me That Used to Be Alice

SOOO fucking interesting, their conversation on "boxing her up" because alice is right! he IS trapping her! the first time i watched this show i was truly TRULY so angry at him for this. when he says "or you could be quiet and you could let me try and solve this" like my god the man never lets anything go! it's so unhealthy and like NOW i don't blame him because he's my best friend but the first time around i could only think of it as selfish and sinister and controlling.

the world's foremost expert on all things me... an all timer quote. god what a quotable scene!

i'm not bloodthirsty i just wanna be free :-( sorry but she's so hot if she was bloodthirsty i'd still do what she wanted

julia's hair is so nice in this scene

i love you korean knife magicians i really love you so much sometimes this show really just charms me

BANK HEIST !!!!!!!!! one of my favorite moments in this show

GOOD BECAUSE I DON'T margo marry me

sometimes i think about how many plots are running in any given scene/episode/season of this show and i swear i could pass out like who remembered ember shitting in the wellspring except tick pickwick did !!!!!

also love the magic-seeing lenses in this show that's always been charming to me. same with the mann reveal but i like the little lenses more.

when they kill off the haxenpaxen it feels to me like they were like okay we can't keep track of all this. which must have been a difficult decision for the magicians showrunners.

that poor girl is ~fucked!~

yeah to circle back to the one million concurrent plots i like that q's plot for the time being is "liberate the being of pure chaotic energy that looks like my girlfriend which is trapped in the tattoo on my back" in the grand scheme of things here it's kind of a minor issue lol

raise your hand if she's the reason that you fucking exploded in this life!

my best friend in the world does crazy shit and doesn't listen to me and like he probably means jules but unfortunately it's true of literally every character on this show

q is a remarkably good friend very attentive very concerned

help us rob a bank oh my god yes

love the anthropomorphic books also. fun throughline.

kady and penny have crazy fucking chemistry CRAZY chemistry

THERE'S OUR LITTLE KING. oh my god ohhhhh my god

margo's hair is sooo so so good.

aw i love that eliot didn't know margo had robbed a bank. it's so obviously a device so she can walk them through the security procedures because he would absolutely know that within like a month of them knowing each other but it's so cute.

ohhhh margo's little two-piece outfit. i'm not gonna look it up but i'm pretty sure this was from 2016 and i know this simply because i wore a two-piece dress to my high school winter formal. it was a dark fucking time.

yeah pass i like air >:-(

kady could've had her own show there's so much going on with her. and you know what? i'm not ashamed to say it. underutilized in fic.

alice had the bedroom of a precocious seven-year-old daughter of a single mother in a 2009 dramedy. where the wild things are ass bedroom.

return of the best bitches !!!!!!

brakebills must have some CRAZY fucking wards you ever think about it?

"oh nut up it's just a finger"

penny and kady grow up as though q did not get that finger in an orifice he was perfectly fine with

margo is so excited to coordinate a bank heist she is the number one girl in the world

remarkably extraordinarily fake bees i have to admire it

q and his FUCKING inability to take a sweater off

penny not touching the floor stresses me out SO badly. toe on the floor. (penny voice) god damn it.

love the security guards in love

the wrecking ball is a weapon of peace :'-)

(cuntiest voice in the world) oh well, rest in peace penny

i understand his reasoning for not telling anyone about niffin alice in his head but if i was q i would've been immediately telling everyone like that's not the shit you keep inside

"i've always been good at math" i would never believe that

q's saddest little "oh no :-o" this heist has everything !!!!

once again i feel like horomancy only becomes a big tricky thing later in the series because jules invents a time machine within like an afternoon. maybe two days.

ohhhh the fucking dokkaebi stress me out

first of all el taking a fatal injury for q :-( second of all KADY FUCKING DECKING THE BATTLE MAGICIAN !!!!! third of all q struggling to leave even the golem oh this gentle little guy who is in love with eliot waugh

somebody find out how they did julia's lashes i'm jealous

#GREAT ep glad to be back #the magicians #unauthorized magicians rewatch #text

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m0ther-of-p3arl · 3 months

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im pretty interested in the Magnus Archives....esp with the Magnus Protocol coming out ..... where can i consume it and what is it about ......

YOU LET ME INFODUMP ABOUT ONE PIECE AND NOW I'D LIKE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

OKAY OKAY OKAY YOU HAVE. YOU HAVE NO FUCKING IDEA THE FREEDOM YOUVE JUST GIVEN ME. IM SHAKING IN MY SEAT. OKAY.

the magnus archives is a 200 episode 5 season horror fiction podcast that i am incredibly neurodivergent about. you can listen to on basically every platform ever- it's on spotify, it's on youtube, and i think the rusty quill website has the episodes on there as well!!

i'll try to keep this spoiler-free LKDFJLSKD especially if you end up wanting to consume it (WHICH YOU SHOULD. ITS UNREALISTICALLY GOOD). the basic premise of the magnus archives is that there's an organization called the magnus institute that deals in the statements of people who have had dealings with the supernatural. at the beginning of the podcast, all the different statements seem like individual creepy stories but once you finish the podcast and then go back and relisten?? oh my god everything just clicks into place and makes so much sense its crazy

the writing is. incredible, to say the very least. every statement *and* the episodes that aren't statements are all delightfully creepy- there are rarely jumpscares and the kind of horror that tma goes for is so EDIBLE oh my god. it's a wonderful series to binge- fair warning though that it takes a bit to get in its stride, the first 20 episodes or so can feel a bit of a slog to get through at times but once you do, you will never want to stop listening.

everything loops back in on itself and there are statements in season three that give you context for statements back in season one and LSKDFJLKDSFJ. it is SO GOOD.

i would tell you everything about every member of the archival staff but i've already rambled on a fair amount so. jonathan sims time!!

jon sims, the newly appointed head archivist of the magnus institute, is the main character. and this guy. THIS. GUY. my fave character isn't usually the main character but jon is such a STUPID WET CAT. him and his ceaseless watcher bullshit. he has a super entertaining personality and a bunch of really cool character arcs and just LKDFSJDLK. best main character of any piece of media ever.

for protocol there are only 2 episodes out rn and anything substantial i have to say about it would be riddled with spoilers but i'll just tell you that it is also INCREDIBLE and i would die for samama khalid, alice dyer and gwendolyn bouchard. and i want to kill lena.

OKAY UM THATS AS FAR AS I CAN GO WITHOUT GETTING SPOILER-Y. HOPE YOU ENJOY MY RANT LDSFJEIONC

#this is my favorite thing atm #it was around this time last year that i listened to tma the first time #i was just as insane about it them as i am now #i'm revisiting old interests #you have no idea how. how important. this podcast #SLDKFSLDJK #question spirals #tma

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shymeg · 11 months

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Honestly, if any character deserves to die not in another parallel universe, possibly in the 50s, and never came back to life. Everyone forgot about him including the bear would be Archie.

The writers get their heroic ending. The hero, in their eyes, is dead. The other characters rejoice because he is the worst, and they must keep making him feel good afraid to bruise his ego. Now they can drop the act breathe, and get back to normal, for Archiekins is dead.

The girls are happy because whatever potion he bought from Cheryl to be the Stepford wives around him is broken, but Cheryl will say it was her Momsy.

Uncle Frank, god, he can die too. I don't count him as a main, though. If anything, it will be Midge dying in childbirth from having Fangs baby, so Toni and Fangs decide to raise it.

I'd say let it be Alice and Archie, either one, but knowing these writers, we can't bet on that.

I'd say Jughead he'd always sacrifice himself for his friends, but you know what? He deserves to live to thrive, and he's done it enough, but if he needs to, he will, and he'll be okay with never coming back, no matter the time frame. However, if he finally finds love and it works, and they kill him or his lover, that's just cruel. Would the writers do this to Jughead? Absolutely.

#riverdale negativity #riverdale speculation #If someone was to die in the series finale #anti archie andrews #Anti alice cooper #anti riverdale #Anti frank andrews #Sorry midge #is this a spoiler?#riverdale spoilers #I'm not sure if it is a spoiler #I know nothing #Just talking because this show is becoming like nails on a chalk board

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a-secret-bolton-vampire · 7 months

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I have my own criticisms of House of the Dragon, mainly that there isn't much room for certain characters to get good characterization and they could've done with either more episodes of splitting the first and second half into two seasons. I also think the Rhaenys breaking through the floor scene of the Dragonpit just did not make any sense (I mean, disregarding conveniently leaving the greens alive, how did Rhaenys not get crushed from going through the floor???)

On the other hand, there is criticism of the story that feels almost arbitrary or just straight up lying about the source material. For the record, I'm not really on team green or team black, but Fire and Blood gives the blacks all the best characters and the greens are just universally shitty and evil. But honestly, no matter which side each character is on, they are still pretty fucking flat.

Rhaenyra is like a more incompetent Cersei but with a dragon. All the big decisions made by the head of the blacks is made by Jacaerys instead because Rhaenyra is too busy all upset that Luke died to rule effectively (wtf??? Are you serious??? Aegon is actually proactive after Blood and Cheese but both Rhaenyra and Helaena are too emotional to do anything... it's not a good look).

Alicent is like a competent Cersei. I love Cersei, but Alicent is also very much the "bitch stepmother" stereotype and another example of George writing women as being unable to be friends. I'd rather if Alicent wasn't a Cersei clone with a colour scheme change. Then Aegon is just a lazy drunk, and Aemond... Aemond is like a shōnen anime character with all the nuance that implies.

Helaena gets zero characterization, other than "she was beloved, she's not as pretty because she's fat, and then she goes mad and kills herself the end." And then there is Daemon, the pedophilic child murdering power hungry narcissist that George calls "one of the greyest characters," which honestly makes me question if he even knows what moral greyness even is.

In general, the book version of the characters are just all around awful, unlikeable and devoid of nuance or complexity. And if the response is "but that's the point"... then idk what to say other than there is a difference between characters being morally bankrupt and characters being likeable. For instance, I love Daemon! He's one of my favourite characters! I am also aware he is an unrelenting piece of shit. It's part of why I adore him on page (but more so in the show).

The criticism, then, that I've seen, is that House of the Dragon is picking sides, whitewashing Rhaenyra and the blacks and shitting all over the greens. There are also complaints that the show made Daemon too evil and removed all his complexity, and Alicent is too innocent and not nearly as interesting as book Alicent. The thing is... the show characters are infinitely better than the book characters, in every conceivable way, and it pains me to hear people say otherwise.

Yes, the greens are still more villainous than the blacks. It's unavoidable when one of the core beliefs of the greens is "but muh male primogeniture." And yet the show definitely does a ton of heavy lifting to add complexity to the greens. Aemond, Alicent, and yes even Aegon, are given great, sympathetic backstories and are now rich, three-dimensional characters.

Aemond is still edgy. Again, unavoidable given he has an eyepatch (oh my god imagine a fem!Aemond... that's doing things to me). But he was bullied by Rhaenyra's kids as children, and Luke did cut out his eye. Worse still, Luke is never punished for it. So Aemond has good reason to be resentful of the blacks, and of Luke. But the show also makes it clear that the rivalry with Aemond and Luke is basically a very drawn out childhood spat. Case in point, the look on Aemond's face after Vhagar vhagarizes Luke and Arrax. He didn't want Luke dead, he just wanted his eye. And well, when you act like a child with WMDs... doesn't end well.

Aegon is still a piece of shit. The show didn't necessarily "add" him being a rapist, it's implied he's one in the book anyways. But again, the show does incredible heavy lifting for Aegon's character! He's a bad person still, and a villain, but the show expanded upon how Aegon became that way.

From an early age there was a pressure put onto him by Alicent to be prepared to rule. However, he seems to have not been very good at understanding the lessons. Viserys was an absentee father, doted on Rhaenyra but gave little attention to the rest of his children. He is constantly criticized for his faults by Alicent, and he takes Viserys's actions as him thinking he is an unworthy person. That feeling of disappointing his father, wanting his affection that he never gets, turns to self loathing and self-destructive behaviours.

Alcoholism, reckless behaviour (especially sex, he doesn't care about the consent of the women he sleeps with; also running off and hiding when he hears his father is dead), depression, laying in bed all day and having to be forced to wake up... these are not things a person with a good upbringing experiences. Yes, he is privileged, that doesn't help. But when you are so self-hating and do things to actively make yourself feel worse with no time spent thinking of consequences, that is something you see in people who have trauma from childhood abuse.

(I'm familiar with how this works as someone with borderline personality disorder. Neglect, abandonment, and harsh imposing of rules fucks up your ability to lead a normal, happy life. I need to clarify this because people will think I'm defending him, but this isn't a defense, it's an explanation for why he acts this way.)

Only when he's crowned and the crowd cheers for him does he finally feel as though he is loved for the first time. And that, of course, will have dark consequences down the line...

But the best example of lifting the greens to become more likeable and interesting is Alicent. One of the best show changes was making Alicent and Rhaenyra childhood besties. I know not everyone liked this decision, but it was crucial that this change happen for several reasons; 1) Female friendship is so rare in A Song of Ice and Fire. Like, think about it. Cersei has no female friends because she's a misogynist herself. Catelyn seems to only think about women with descriptions of child-bearing hips (wtf??) but at least she has Brienne, I guess, and Lysa hates everyone. We have some examples of actual friendship between women, but it's pretty rare. 2) It makes Alicent more sympathetic. This is huge because Fire and Blood gives her pretty much nothing. Making her younger, and have less agency, with a neglectful father, allows for her to be more understandable and complex. 3) It makes the rivalry between her and Rhaenyra all the more tragic. They are great friends (history might even call them "good friends") who are driven apart because of the misogynistic society they live in, which is very fitting for the themes of the story.

Yes, Alicent is whitewashed in the show. But, and this might be controversial, whitewashing isn't necessarily a bad thing. The fact Alicent has less agency is also fitting with the themes of the story. Making the story centered around both her and Rhaenyra's relationship is interesting and honestly, for the better. Aegon and Rhaenyra, both in book and show canon, don't interact much. They just hate each other. Making it about Alicent and Rhaenyra adds more emotional intensity to it all. And again, focus on the relationships of female characters is imo, a good thing!

Alicent and Rhaenyra are absolutely incredible character foils too. Both have lost their mothers. Rhaenyra is allowed much more freedom by her father. However, Alicent isn't given much freedom by her father. Rhaenyra indulges in the pleasures of life, but Alicent sacrifices that to be a dutiful wife and queen. Rhaenyra wants to break barriers on gender norms, while Alicent has internalized misogyny and believes in male primogeniture. When Viserys dies, it is Alicent and Rhaenyra who try to keep things peaceful and diplomatic, whereas the men in their lives (Otto and Daemon, respectively) do everything they can to push for war.

Finally, it is implied by Rhaenys that Alicent is using Aegon as a way to have power on the Iron Throne. Very hard to get into this briefly (I've already gone on so much longer than I wanted to), but I think she can both believe in male primogeniture and be resentful that she doesn't get the same power that Rhaenyra does. In this way, she is somewhat using Aegon as a way to get to power.

Compare this with Rhaenyra and Daemon. Rhaenyra is Viserys's chosen heir. Daemon is resentful that he was no longer the heir, and it's pretty clear that he wanted to marry Rhaenyra to get closer to the Iron Throne as well. As much agency as Rhaenyra has, she is still being used by the men in her life. And this is where we segue into the final topic of this; House of the Dragon's portrayal of Daemon Targaryen.

I already feel like I'm going to inflame a fandom war given everything I've said, but I'm going to say it anyways! Daemon is my favourite character in the show. Seriously, he's so fucking good! He is an absolute joy to watch onscreen. He is exactly how he is in the books; charismatic, mercurial, violent, impulsive, and cruel. You never quite know what he's thinking, what he's going to do, how he's going to fuck shit up.

On the other hand, there is some disappointment that Daemon is made perceptively more evil in the show. We know of a few scenes that showcase Daemon's humanity that the show cut. The most likely reason is simply for time and pacing purposes. I don't think there is secretly a conspiracy to make Daemon look worse (honestly it's a bit absurd to think this). And even if those scenes were added, it wouldn't change the fact that Daemon is not a morally grey character, and in fact, one of the central villains of this story.

He canonically loves taking girls virginity. The book makes it clear it's like, young teen girls. The show has only a throwaway line that Mysaria could bring him "a maiden," which is likely reference to that. Daemon is also the Commander of the City Watch. He's the coppiest cop that ever copped. ACAB includes the gold cloaks, all of them, including Daemon. They are all bastards, but Daemon is known for his sadistic pleasure of inflicting cruel punishments onto criminals.

He hurts his brother, repeatedly. He makes fun of Baelon's death the night of his funeral. He steals a dragon egg, lies about Mysaria getting pregnant, just to get Viserys's attention, and when Otto comes he nearly instigates a war against Viserys before Rhaenyra intervenes to stop the two. Mysaria is very much not happy about being used, as she easily would be killed, and Daemon knows this, he's not stupid.

When he learns Viserys is sending him help, Daemon gets so fucking pissy he beats the messenger to death because he wants to prove himself and not be helped by his big brother. He returns to King's Landing and reconciles with Viserys... except no, he hasn't. Viserys welcomes him with open arms, is jovial, loving. And Daemon repays that kindness by grooming and seducing his daughter, ruining her reputation, and then has the nerve to ask to marry her just so he can be close to the Iron Throne.

Daemon murders his wife. Is bold enough to almost kiss Rhaenyra in front of Viserys at her wedding. Doesn't allow Laena to go home. Rejects Viserys's help again at her funeral. Just murders a guy at court before the king. Goes more than a little mad upon Viserys's death, ignores Rhaenyra's commands, does everything he can to instigate war, and even strangles Rhaenyra.

In no universe does this ever get justified as "but he really does love his family." If he loved his family, he wouldn't hurt his brother so much over and over and over, for years. Sure, he probably loved him in his own way, but the way he treats Viserys and Rhaenyra is absolutely abysmal. He's a terrible brother, a terrible husband, and would make a terrible king.

This doesn't even cover Blood and Cheese, one of the most disturbing things any character has ever done (he wasn't there but he's responsible for it). Him killing Aemond at the end isn't even close to a redemptive act. That one act does not wash out the inordinate amount of evil things he's done.

I know I made a post recently about how love is love and it shouldn't be turned into something dark and sinister, but there are exceptions. If you ship Rhaenyra and Daemon, good for you! I don't really care what people do. But this relationship is pretty obviously abusive. More obvious in the book but still present in the show, Daemon groomed and sexually abused Rhaenyra. He does seem to like her, in some way. He has genuine affection for her, no doubt. He can both be using her and care for her at the same time.

But just because he loves her doesn't mean he won't hurt her. Look at how he hurts Viserys. It's why I really don't think Daemon strangling Rhaenyra in the show was "character assassination." It fits perfectly with the character that has been established. Sure, more moments of humanization would've been nice, but it wouldn't change the fact he is, and has always been supremely evil, book or show.

I know I just shat on Daemon a ton, but he is still my favourite character. He's such a joy to watch, he is undoubtedly complex and entertaining, and he has such charisma and swagger, played expertly by Matt Smith. But there is really no excuse for his actions. You can enjoy villains all you like, nothing wrong with that. We just can't excuse them to justify why we like them. Villains are very fun, and often get to be more dynamic than heroes!

So now comes the end of my mini-essay... this is just half-cobbled together stream of consciousness crap, because I got a little ticked off at how many people just say things about House of the Dragon "ruining characters." Some of these characters are George's. Some of them aren't; they are way better.

(I didn't even get to talk about Viserys! The second best character in the show and one George openly has said was better than his version.)

#asoiaf #asoiaf discourse #house of the dragon #daemon targaryen #alicent hightower #aegon ii targaryen #aemond targaryen #fire and blood

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