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Teen And Up Audiences
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Graphic Depictions Of Violence
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F/M
Fandoms:
House of the Dragon (TV)Warhammer FantasyA Song of Ice and Fire & Related Fandoms
Relationships:
Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)/Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Baela Targaryen/Jacaerys Velaryon
Characters:
Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Laena Velaryon (Daughter of Corlys)Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Baela TargaryenJacaerys VelaryonRhaenyra TargaryenDaemon TargaryenCorlys "The Sea Snake" VelaryonRhaenys Targaryen VelaryonAemond "One-Eye" TargaryenAegon II TargaryenAlicent HightowerDaeron Targaryen (Son of Viserys I)Cannibal the Wild Dragon (A Song of Ice and Fire)Valyrian Gods (A Song of Ice and Fire)Helaena Targaryen
Additional Tags:
Character Turned Into VampireUndeadNecromancyVideo Game MechanicsThe Dance of the Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen v. Rhaenyra Targaryen EraLaenor Velaryon is Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)'s ParentLaena doesn't let something like being dead stop her from helping her familyDragon RidersPOV MultipleDeath to all GreensPiratesBody HorrorBAMF Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Temporary Character DeathReligious Imagery & SymbolismWeird Plot Shitno beta we die like everyoneBook: Fire and Blood (A Song of Ice and Fire)Self-IndulgentChild DeathDismembermentDragonrider Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon)Rhaenys and Rhaenyra act more like their bookselves cause their showselves suckCanon-Typical ViolenceCannibalismVampire BitesThe non-sexy kindDark Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Vampire Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra)Angst with a Happy Ending
Language:
English
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Published:2024-06-14Completed:2024-10-31Words:169,619Chapters:35/35Comments:1,151Kudos:2,057Bookmarks:542Hits:94,733
Lucerys Velaryon of the Vampire Coast
SkilledWarriorKiwi
Chapter 3: Call of the Coast
Chapter Text
"What is he doing?"
"I do not know. He's been like that all afternoon. He just said he's 'listening' and then wouldn't say anything else."
Corlys let out a hum next to her. The two were standing at the walls of Dragonstone and down below they could see Lucerys, standing at the small beach and staring out at the water. Rhaena had not been able to figure out what intrigued him so much about the sea, as since once the midday meal was finished Lucerys had gone out there and they had not been able to lure him back inside. Not even his own mother, even if the queen was soon pulled away by her duties.
This morn also marked the first day Lucerys refused any dragonsblood, citing his lack of hunger or injuries. When he tugged down the neck of his tunic to show Rhaena his wound, she could see how the one horrid injury was now a shiny line of scarring. It had lost its pinkness and shifted to a gleaming silver, still notable against Luke's flesh. When Rhaena hesitantly touched it she noted how the skin was cool. Another thing about Luke's return, his body temperature always seemed low like someone out on the deck of a ship at night. Same with his scent of sea salt and the way his pale skin always seemed slightly damp as if he had just come out of a bath.
It had made sense to Rhaena, since Lucerys had passed through the Merling Court. Of course he would not be the same, none could pass through the veil and return the same.
To the sea we belong, and to the sea we return.
Though she did not quite understand the hair, eyes and teeth even if she did agree with her grandmother that Luke's stare was now eerily similar to Meleys. House Velaryon was Valyrian bloodied, just like the Targaryen and Celtigar were. She knew Old Valyria was rife with magic, the likes of bloodmagic and pyromancy. All Valyrian sorcery was rooted in blood or fire, and they had the dragons to show for it. Perhaps that was cause for his change.
Rhaena knew not the bond of a dragon and rider, and it was one of the reasons she was not as close to her father as Baela. Secrets only riders shared with one another, while she remained dragonless. Still, she did her best to understand Lucerys and comfort him through his resurrection and heavy changes.
It was also another thing that Rhaena never felt threatened about Luke's changes. The same was said for those within Dragonstone; Rhaena knew the people there were well used to the peculiar habits of dragons and their riders, but even so she expected some level of unease and wariness due to Luke's crimson eyes and long teeth. But none of them seemed afraid- confused, unsure even, but not afraid. Rhaena also noted she began to feel more secure in Luke's presence as he got stronger; it gave her that same level of comfort she felt in her father's presence or when her mother Laena was alive. That she felt safe, and sure.
It was odd, not to say Lucerys was not safe but there was something so strong in that feeling she had to wonder if it was due to him being god-touched.
Further changes had been revealed when Lucerys was allowed to practice his sparring again. As their grandfather said, it would do Lucerys good to reorientate himself. One of the after effects of sickness or prolonged bed rest was the worry the body would weaken and, in some cases, would not recover.
Rhaena had been in the courtyard with the master-at-arms of Dragonstone when Luke and Jacaerys appeared. Baela was already present, using her crossbow on the swinging targets. Rhaena had been absentmindedly toying with the string of her shortbow, thinking she could go hunt rabbit later in the evening, when the brothers had appeared.
The twins greeted the duo easily, Baela even giving Jacaerys a lingering hug, before they gave the two space. Rhaena settled down on one of the benched, arranging her arrows as she bounced the bow on her lap as she tried not to stare too obviously at Lucerys. Baela meanwhile wasn't even bothering to be discrete, her attention bouncing between Luke and then slowly focusing upon his brother.
Baela, Rhaena knew, had been pressing for her and Jace marry when word of the coup reached them. Jacaerys however, was insistent upon waiting for Queen Rhaenyra to sit upon the Iron Throne and the usurpers to be dealt with. Rhaena could understand both points, even if her sister kept venting to her about it while all Rhaena could do was nod and offer her sympathizes. Rhaena rearranged her arrows. She could do with some more, and perhaps should thread her own. Perhaps find different shafts, see if there was any weirwood in the castle. If not, perhaps their alliance with Cregan Stark could bear fruit.
Rhaena then had gotten distracted by her musings as Lucerys and Jacaerys took up place opposite one another. She could tell Jace was concerned, nearly giving Lucerys a child's wooden sword instead of the dulled sparring swords but the extremely droll look his brother had given him quickly changed his mind as Rhaena hid a grin.
She had waited patiently, wondering if perhaps swordplay proved too exhaustive for Lucerys she could offer him a try with her bow.
Instead Lucerys struck Jace's sparring sword so hard in the first blow he sent it hurtling into the stone wall of the castle, chipping the ancient stones and cracking the steel of the sword. A couple of servants and the guards in the courtyard had all jumped, even as the sword fell to the ground with a clatter.
There was a stunned silence before Jace walked over to the sword and picked it up, and as the sunlight glinted off the dulled blade Rhaena could see the harsh split through the middle. Lucerys seemed perfectly fine and was inspecting his own blade curiously.
Jace went back to his brother, but this time picking up a long spear as he gave one of the baffled guards the ruined sword.
And again, Lucerys disarmed him in a single blow. This time the blunted sword cutting the spear in half as if the blade had been honed. Rhaena got to her feet.
The rest of the morn was testing Luke's strength. He could lift up the immense two handed swords men like Corlys would have to train for months on end to heft without effort. He was able to cleave a shield in half with a single blow and when the master-at-arms gave him a steel gauntlet, Lucerys was able to crush it between his hands. At Baela's suggestion Lucerys even picked up one of the guards, hefting the man up in his arms like a sack of grain. A grown man nearly twice Luke's own size and in full armour with sword and shield, and even then Lucerys was able to lift him easily.
"The gods have blessed him with the strength of the Warrior," one of the servants said in awe, fingering the pointed star around her neck.
"Aye, a blessing in this war," another had said.
Jacaerys had to hasten his brother inside, even as Lucerys didn't seem bothered by the swarm of servants, maids and guards asking him curious questions as they mobbed him within the courtyard. Rhaena had noted how Luke never once snapped at any curious about his eyes or tried to touch his newly snowy hair when Corlys had recovered him, but Jacaerys seemed to bristle at the scrutiny.
At the midday meal, Luke also ignored the jar of dragonsblood Baela had slid towards him; they now had a side room filled with jars and, in Syrax's case, a barrel. He did however crack open the offered oysters with his sharp teeth and ate them whole, shell and all. Queen Rhaenyra had not been able to join them, instead she had withdrawn to her council as a small flock of ravens reached Dragonstone, but the lunch passed in easy company.
Joffrey had been heavily excited when he learned of Luke's new strength when told during the meal. Both Aegon and Viserys also held a deep childish interest and begged Luke to show them. Once their meal had been done, Lucerys had been able to pick up all three of his younger brothers in his arms without any visible strain and Rhaena got the impression if she, Baela and Jace also leapt on them Luke could've held them all up.
However before they could investigate further, the queen summoned her heir and so Baela took Joffrey down to the courtyard to spar with him. Rhaena meanwhile accompanied her little brothers to their rooms and played with them for some time before they had been put down for their afternoon naps. She then found herself restless and had gone walking, only to find Luke. After his cryptic words she had retreated to the wall, where Corlys found her.
Her grandfather would not be upon Dragonstone for long; soon he would sail for Crackclaw Point upon the Sea Snake. Still, he had come to say his goodbyes when he found Rhaena upon the wall, where she had been watching Lucerys out down upon the small beach.
Perhaps she would have worried for her betrothed, but somehow Rhaena knew Lucerys would never have to fear for cold or wet. That no illness would try to slip into his flesh from the sea water or breeze. And the beach itself was tucked close to Dragonstone, with the sea beyond it littered with hidden rocks and jagged shoreline so there was no threat of a sneak attack. Though with Luke's new strength she doubted that would be a problem either.
"My own grandfather used to say the sound of the ocean contained more history than every library or citadel combined upon this world will ever know. That a man is never more sure of his place in the world than when he is upon the sea, unable to see land. Only then will he realize how little he knows," Corlys's voice was wistful.
"Daemon Velaryon, wasn't he?" Rhaena said, looking up at him. "Brother to Queen Alyssa."
"Aye, and Master of Ships to both Maegor the Cruel and Jaehaerys the Conciliator. That was a man who understood how the world worked, and saw both sides to House Targaryen. How terrible and great they be. Perhaps it is fitting, that in another case of usurpation, his name is once again to be recorded even if it is worn by another."
"I always dreamed of those adventures," she said quietly. "Reading all the books, the stories and tales of those within them. But now that I'm living through those perilously times all I feel is worry."
Her grandfather's arm was comforting around her, but still Rhaena could only think of the perils ahead. They all knew what had happened when Balerion and Quicksilver clashed. It was the same as Vhagar against Arrax and Rhaena wondered what damage Meraxes would have caused, if she had been alive and stolen by pretenders. The Conquest dragons, taken by those that sought to steal the Iron Throne and taint the dragon's blood.
Vhagar deserved better. It would be best, that she did not live past this war. Aemond had disgraced her enough.
But still, Rhaena thought of Moondancer. Tyraxes. Even Syrax and Vermax. Breakable, just like their riders. She felt so helpless.
The pink egg was still in its pouch at her hip and Rhaena swore it was hot to the touch and that she had felt something slither inside the previous night. But still, she felt so helpless. What good was a bow against a dragon?
Corlys's arm tightened around her briefly before he released her, saying, "Tis always times to be wary when dragons are unleashed. But your father, grandmother, your sister and the queen- they are there and ready to face the Greens. And soon enough it shall be recorded through history of how we have fought against the unjust of a stolen throne, just as Lucerys returning to us at Laena's behest is being known."
Rhaena had heard words traveling through Dragonstone and outward, as more and more became aware of what occurred with Lucerys and Lady Laena. The Handmaiden of the Merling King was a title she heard directed towards her mother, while Lucerys was considered god-touched. It was strange, for he was still her cousin she had known for years but to those who did not know he was something special, unknowable just as her late mother was turning into. Like stories of Garth Greenhand or one of the Children of the Forest.
"Let us go to him," the Sea Snake declared, jarring Rhaena from her churning thoughts.
She nodded, following her grandfather as they went the short trek from the wall down outside to the small beach. Above, the sky was cloudy but ample streaks of clear blue were seen. Off in the distance the great Dragonmont loomed, pale grey wisp of smoke near invisible from where they ribboned from the volcano's peak to disappear in the sky high above. The egg seemed to burn at her hip.
"Luke!" Rhaena greeted cheerfully, as they stepped out onto the sand. "Have you heard anything?"
Lucerys didn't turn away from the sea, his crimson eyes fixed out upon the never ending waves as they roiled up against Dragonstone. His aquamarine cape was flapping in the cool sea breeze, his white hair ruffled but still he gave no response. Her and Corlys exchanged looks but approached Lucerys until they were flanking him. In his hands Lucerys held the blade Corlys had commissioned for him, but Luke seemed to be idly turning it than using it for any purpose.
"Or are you still listening?" Rhaena said hesitantly, when Luke made no effort to respond.
Corlys touched Luke's shoulder and it seemed to jolt him from his stare off with the ocean. He blinked up at his grandfather, nose scrunching as he made a face as if annoyed.
"Rhaena told me you were listening," Corlys said, repeating her own words. "Have you heard?"
"I'm not sure," Lucerys said, after a long pause. "I feel...I don't know if anxious is the right word. But I feel poised, about things that are to happen."
"Is this about the raven the lord of Rook's Rest has sent to our queen?" Rhaena asked. "The Queen has made her decision. Grandmother and Meleys are fierce enough they will lift the siege upon Lord Staunton's keep posthaste, as word has already been sent to them at Driftmark."
"My lady wife will break the siege," Corlys agreed. "She has flown into battle before and she is not reckless. She and the Red Queen will succeed and ships will be sent soon after to resupply Lord Staunton's exhausted foodstores."
"No, that's not it. Perhaps," Lucerys scowled, the expression all the more fierce due to his sharp teeth. "I don't know. It's confusing."
"Then what?" Rhaena pressed.
"When listening to the waves, I almost feel as if I can hear...People, perhaps. Not like how I am aware of Laena. But I feel as if..." Lucerys trailed off, his red gaze fixating back upon the waves. He kept idly spinning the blade in his hand.
"As if what?" Rhaena asked, leaning against Luke's side.
"As if I could pull them from the water, if I try," he said.
It sounded almost like a confession, low and nearly whispered. If she and Corlys had not been standing so close, the words would have been snatched away upon the wind and carried off to the sea.
"Pull them? Who is them? The people? The Merling Court?" Rhaena said, feeling something thrum up her spine. Excitement and curiosity and dread- such as when Baela once recounted to her how she and Jacaerys had once spotted the distant, twisted form of the great black Cannibal during one of their flights upon dragonback some years ago. How quickly they had fled back to the safety of Dragonstone, but there was also the low level of excitement to see the fabled dragon-eater even if it hadn't attacked them.
Now Rhaena felt it could be similar circumstances, that any Lucerys could hear in the sea or even more pull from the sea could be like that. Something dangerous yet oh so tantalizing. A fearful excitement.
Corlys looked lost, "Lucerys, do you mean to say you can pull others such as yourself?"
"No," Lucerys said immediately. "Not like- perhaps similar? But not like me, I think. There can be only one me, I know that. One in each age. That feels right. But others who aren't like me but similar. I think so. I know so."
"It's like how you can hear Mother but can't pull her towards you?" Rhaena asked. "But these other voices you hear you could?"
Lucerys blinked, "Yes."
What he was describing sounded almost like necromancy. Rhaena knew of such things, especially after spending so long in Essos with her parents. The act of bring the dead back to life. After all, wasn't that what happened to Lucerys? From his wound he had indeed died but had returned. She was no whimpering septa, cowering from shadows. She was the blood of dragons, even if it did not burn as hot as her twin's own. She had read histories of Old Valyria, she had read histories of Westeros, of Essos. She knew how often great and terrible intertwined with one another.
Corlys clapped his hand down upon Luke's shoulder, "We have salt in our blood, in our sweat and tears. I believe that whatever you hear, it would be wise to heed it. The gods granted you this for a reason, just as they granted you such strength. The Merling King, the Valyrian gods- they are witnessing this, this war between dragons. They have given you this, changed your shape and returned you to us. I believe you should listen. I trust in you, Lucerys."
Rhaena placed her hand over Luke's own, her dark skin stark against Luke's pale skin. It was damp and cold, like the belly of a dead fish. Still, she tightened her fingers over his, saying, "I agree with Grandfather. Great calamity has birthed great heroes. I trust in you as well. If the gods granted you this gift then it is to be used."
They stayed that way in companionable silence, Lucerys looking out over the waves as Rhaena leaned against his side with Corlys having his arm wrapped around them both. Eventually the Sea Snake had to leave when one of his men called down the beach to him as his ship was ready to depart, but he left with another assurance to Lucerys that he should heed the call of the sea.
Above, the sun began to inch its way overhead and far, far in the distance she heard the muted roar of a dragon. Whom it was, she knew not. But the noise was so familiar. She felt at ease, standing next to Lucerys before the sea. Even when the tide began to inch in, the thin layer of water soaking at the edges of her crimson dress she remained. Lucerys kept his eyes focused upon the ever moving waves, brow furrowed as if thinking intently.
After some time she moved away, sitting down on one of the great rocks nearby with her ankles crossed. The wind was growing stronger, tugging at her locs and making the ruffles of her bodice ripple. Lucerys continued his vigil at the sea, even as the tide crept closer and began to lick at his boots and reach for the edge of his cloak. One of his hands rose, palm proffered to the sea as if ready to catch ones hand. She felt a strange swelling within her breast, as if she had taken too deep a breath.
Rhaena then began to sing; Gently and lilting, in their mother tongue, as she toyed with the bracelet of shimmering pearls at her wrist.
"Fire breather, winged leader but two heads to a third sing. From my voice: The fires have spoken and the price has been paid with blood magic. With words of flame, with clear eyes, to bind the three. To you I sing. As one we gather and with three heads we shall fly as we were destined...Beautifully, freely."
And the sea before them erupted, salty water spraying them both as a great rotted beast emerged from the depths.
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