Future generations would unanimously call the year 269 AC the "Year of Stars."
Using the Dragonpit Tournament in King's Landing as their stage, fate gathered the stars together, and they began to shine. Their joys, sorrows, and anger would shape the coming era, for they were the leaders who would rule it.
Roberta Targaryen, the beloved Queen, the Pearl of Storm's End, the Rose and Noble Doe of House Baratheon. It was widely believed that her combat prowess far exceeded that of ordinary men; her brother Robert often said that if she weren't a woman, she would have ranked among the greatest warriors of that age—perhaps even surpassing himself.
Fergo Antaryon, a scion of the illustrious House Antaryon, the most gifted son of the Sealord of Braavos, later elected Sealord himself, a long-time rival and friend of Emperor Rhaegar.
Malaho Maegyr, who would become a multi-term Triarch of Volantis.
Lysandro Rogare of Lys, Rhaegar's confidant and loyal servant, a Lysene noble who restored the fortunes of House Rogare.
The Pearl of Tyrosh, Archon Thersa, a close friend and ally of Emperor Rhaegar and the Queen. A rare female Archon of Tyrosh, loved throughout her life, nicknamed the "Maiden of Tyrosh"—though many considered this nickname an insult, as the lady had several children.
The tournament also gathered many prominent lords and their heirs from the Seven Kingdoms, including Brandon Stark, Robert Baratheon, Elbert Arryn, and Mace Tyrell—all destined to leave their names in history.
However, all signs indicated that the brightest star of this era was Rhaegar Targaryen, Emperor of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men (and Old Valyria?), known as the Prince of Summerhall, Father of Dragons, the Victor, the Spear-Breaker, Lucky Rhaegar, the Silver Dragon Emperor, Supreme Guardian of the Seven, the Red God, and the Three-Headed God on Earth.
When Emperor Rhaegar appeared at the Dragonpit camp with three giant dragons and the Eagle Guard, it marked the beginning of his great conquests and even greater destiny.
—Excerpt from Rhaegar Targaryen: From Lucky Prince to Emperor.
After showing off at the Dragonpit, Rhaegar led the Eagle Guard back to the camp amidst thunderous applause and cheers.
The three giant dragons had performed magnificently, and their master had prepared a roasted ox for them; the hatchlings rushed forward impatiently to enjoy another feast.
Rhaegar saw the excitement of the soldiers, who were still immersed in the shouting of the Dragonpit war reports.
After eating and drinking their fill, the little dragons became drowsy and curled up beside their Purple Nest.
Rhaegar watched them alone in his tent. Bronze and black sparks danced from his fingertips, with shadows of runes flickering within them—"Shield Rune!" "Hammer Rune!"
Bronze particles condensed into a giant shield; black sparks formed a dark warhammer.
Beautiful sparks should be shared with companions, and the hatchlings were in a dangerous growth stage. Those runes might better protect and help them.
Only when the cubs were asleep would Rhaegar secretly put them into his ring—this was the only time the cubs were quiet.
The Eagle Guard was divided into two shifts, taking turns guarding the camp and maintaining order at the tourney grounds. The Bronze Ring held the dragons and treasure, but maintaining vigilance was still crucial.
Ser Brynden "Blackfish" Tully was indifferent to the tournament; Rhaegar arranged for him, Joffrey Arryn, and Ser Laris Velaryon to take turns managing the camp. Joffrey was eager to compete, but after weighing his own strength, he dismissed the idea—being a quartermaster suited him better. Noble youths from the Crownlands and orphans from Flea Bottom all needed screening and training.
Some of Rhaegar's soldiers, too old for ordinary rank-and-file duties but still eager to win honor at the tournament, participated in the joust—like Bronze Yohn Royce in his war coat. Barristan, undoubtedly, was a fanatic for the lance and hailed as the future champion.
Rhaegar didn't think Bronze Yohn would win any great honors—he was still young and unlikely to defeat so many excellent lancers, the most outstanding of whom was Barristan.
Rhaegar took off his black scale armor and changed into casual clothes. At the tent entrance stood Serrin, the one-armed, one-eared wildling, learning swordplay with his left hand. He once worshiped the towering mountains, but now he believed in the Fire God. Rhaegar nodded to him and moved on.
He wore a black double-breasted tunic embroidered with two rows of three-headed red dragons. He wore no crown—following Valyrian custom, he bound his silver hair with a steel circlet. His hair was smooth as flowing silver, his stature tall and burly. His speed, strength, alertness, and defensive capabilities far exceeded those of ordinary men; the deeper the blood of fire, the more the runes and dragonfire honed his will.
Dressed in casual clothes, the Prince returned to the tourney grounds with Sessa. Armor displayed his martial prowess, while court attire reflected his courtesy. With Barristan entered in the lists, his private secretary and Braavosi swordsman Sessa took on heavier duties.
Seeing the handsome Prince, the crowd cheered in wave after wave. Especially the maidens and noble ladies, who felt as if they were seeing a living dragon—a mass of flowing silver flame, the heat making them dizzy.
Rhaegar Targaryen sat beside Roberta Baratheon—the two were truly a match made in heaven. She wore a blue silk gown that accentuated her jet-black hair and azure eyes. All onlookers smiled. Robert grumbled about his sister's ladylike posture but dared not say much.
Rhaegar noticed other gazes: Fergo, son of the Sealord, and Thersa, daughter of the Archon of Tyrosh. The maiden's blue-green long dress complemented her bejeweled, radiant hair and eyes; her clear gaze was gentle and lucid. A beauty's tenderness can sometimes be deadlier than steel, surging like a flood or a beast.
However, Rhaegar was more interested in Fergo; House Antaryon was an ancient Sealord family of Braavos, having produced several Sealords and holding a place among the city's most prominent nobility.
Fergo was elegant and handsome, a few years older than Rhaegar, dressed in dark Braavosi attire, with only a ship-shaped gem ring on one finger. His bodyguard—a tall middle-aged man—stood nearby.
Fergo's eyes met Rhaegar's, and he nodded politely.
And so, two stars collided for the first time.