"This is just like Ebola and AIDS. If you let something go unchecked because the cure is expensive, society will eventually pay an even greater price." - From the Saga of Tanya the Evil Vol. 8
The princess had proven to be inquisitive. Her questions regarding the North, its customs and traditions, as well as its difficulties and concerns, had given Medrick the impression that she was seriously considering choosing him. That made him downplay some of the worse aspects of the North, but he did not outright lie. That would have crossed his honor too far.
When his answers did not quite satisfy her, she probed further with others in White Harbor. She spoke with his father, the Maester, and some of the merchants. This made him rethink his early assumption.
"How fares the courtship?" His father, Lord Desmond Manderly asked.
"I am troubled father; the princess seems more interested in the North than in me."
The older man gave him a smile. "It is good that she is curious. If she wasn't interested in the match, she would never give us a second thought."
Medrick shook his head. "No, I don't think that's true. She seems to generally care about our winters. She also was deeply curious about the Wall, in fact she's already off to visit it."
"What?" His father asked in surprise.
Medrick shrugged. "She's a dragonrider. I tried to dissuade her, but she was insistent. She claims that while it is a long flight, Viktoriya, her dragon, is faster than most."
"I suppose old Galbart Karstark will be in for quite a surprise." Galbart was the current Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, and the uncle of the current Lord of House Karstark.
"Indeed." Medrick looked at his father. "Is there something else I can do? I've given her gifts, spent time with her, complimented her, we had the smallfolk come out and cheer for her when she arrived, but I do not sense personal warmth from her towards me in that way."
"Perhaps you need to showcase your skills. Most women wouldn't be inclined to participate in a hunt, but she's a dragonrider. Why don't you take a hunting party and let her see you take down a bear, elk, or wolf. Dragons hunt for their food often; I suspect she won't be squeamish at seeing a creature die."
Medrick liked the idea and would present it to Elaena when she returned. In two days, she did so. She greeted him with the same cool politeness. It spoke of respect, but not much else.
"How was your journey? What did you think of the Wall?"
"The journey was tolerable. As for the Wall, I found it to be a fascinating feat of construction. I do not think such a work could be duplicated now. Truly, one of the great wonders of the world."
"I'm glad you found it so. Were you treated well?"
"Aye, the Lord Commander was a bit taken aback at my sudden arrival, but he was hospitable. He spoke of the needs of the Wall, and I listened. I could not make many promises, but it does fascinate me. The Wall itself… it caused Viktoriya to hesitate in a way that I have never felt. It was overcome of course, but it fills me with profound wonder."
Medrick had heard the old stories of Queen Alysanne and how her great dragon Silverwing had refused to fly north of the Wall. It seemed the princess had found more success.
"How far north from the Wall did you go?"
"Not too far. I do have a schedule to keep."
"Ah, yes. About that. I know you had intended to stay only for a few more days, but I was wondering if you would care to join us for a hunt?"
"If it can be done quickly, ser. I will be returning to King's Landing and Dragonstone soon to check on my family and then continue the tour."
He hummed a bit before venturing forward with a half-jest, "I take it then you are not so enraptured by the North and myself that you've no need to see other suitors?"
Elaena graced him with a smile. "I have made obligations to give all a fair hearing. Shall we set off for the hunt this eve, or wait for the morrow?"
"The morrow will be fine, Your Grace."
The hunt turned out well enough. He demonstrated his skill with the bow and took down a large elk. As he suspected, Elaena was not the squeamish sort, and did not look away from the killing. She had congratulated him, but overall she seemed dispassionate about the whole event. It wasn't as if he suspected that she would fawn over his prowess, but once more he garnered the impression that she was unmoved by his efforts.
She ended her visit with compliments to him and his father for being gracious hosts. A further thank you for the gifts, and then she was off flying to the south.
***
Viserys was eagerly anticipating the return of his favorite daughter. He had missed their morning walks. He had diligently continued them, despite the fact that his foot was bothering him again. It simply was not the same without Elaena. He was used to being invigorated by their conversations. They always left him ready to seize the day.
The council was as trying as ever; Otto had been more insistent on certain items of state. The man picked the most irritating times to suddenly push forward a dozen decisions to the fore. The lack of a great start to his day, his lady wife pregnant again, and the increased workload of the small council contributed to Viserys being grumpier than usual.
Nothing could sour the mood of reunion with Elaena however, and a servant brought a message that the silver dragon had landed in the Dragon Pit. Viserys moved with haste, despite his foot, and went out to meet his daughter.
When he arrived at the entrance of the Red Keep, his daughter was coming through the gates with House Targaryen guards by her side, as well as Prince Aemond who was speaking with her. With Ser Harrold at his side, Viserys approached them.
Elaena stepped into his embrace and held on to him for longer than her usual. She seemed healthy and well after her travels to the Vale and the North. Her silver hair was messy, despite the braid she wore it in. Flying through the air had a tendency to disrupt it despite all the efforts his daughters took. Already his aches receded and his mind became more buoyant.
"It is good to see you, Elaena! Have you found your husband?"
She laughed lightly. "Father, as I've told my suitors, and you, I intend to see most of Westeros on this tour. I will not decide before seeing all those who would strive for my hand."
"Yes, yes, but did you find someone suitable to your liking?" Viserys asked, deeply curious.
"I have found two candidates that are still in contention. I could envision myself content as a wife to them."
"Who?" Aemond interjected. Viserys had forgotten he was still there.
"Hmm, I'm not sure I should say," Elaena said, considering. "Gossiping over my potential choices could lead to offense, or worse, my future suitors might try to tailor their answers to what they think I want to hear instead of being genuine."
"Yes, but I need to know they are worthy of your hand." Aemond rebutted.
Viserys clapped the boy's shoulder. "Maybe if you were an older brother, instead of a younger. Go run along now, I'd like to speak with my daughter further."
The boy stiffened, but bowed his head. "Your Grace." And then departed, walking at a fast clip back toward the Royal Apartments.
"I do want to tell you more, father, but let me speak to both you and mother together, as I'm sure she will also have questions. In the interim, how fares the city? Has the small council been keeping you busy?"
Viserys thought that made sense. Alicent had been anxious for Elaena's return. Alicent knew there was a schedule, but had brought up the idea of delaying Elaena's next departure. Viserys was sympathetic, he too had missed his daughter. But it would not do to make would-be suitors wait. Since Elaena was not travelling to every holding, some would have travelled a fair distance.
"They have been keeping me busy. Otto wishes the Waywardens to be expanded upon maritime routes as well."
Elaena's inquisitive eyes widened a bit. "That is interesting; what have you decided?"
"Most of my council agrees. Lyman had concerns regarding the cost. Tyland in particularly thought Otto's suggestion a grand one. It was good of him to suggest that the ones who most benefited from trade over the waters bear the brunt of the costs, since it would be their profits that go up. Tyland is typically quite the miser, but additional taxes on Lannisport trade to pay for ships and men to man the routes was something he found acceptable."
Elaena nodded. "Of course it wouldn't just be Lannisport that would pay this additional tax, it would be all ports, such as Driftmark, Dragonstone, White Harbor, and Gulltown."
"Yes, and it seems fair, but Lyman wanted to look at alternative funding methods."
"Hmm, preventing piracy on the seas would be beneficial for all, but losses from seaborne assaults are quite rare these days given the Velaryon fleet in the Stepstones. I'm sure there were some specific considerations the Lord Hand had that prompted this suggestion, I'm eager to speak with him after I discuss how my tour has gone with you and mother."
Viserys chuckled. His daughter was so earnest, dutiful, and curious. Even on the day she returned, she was looking for ways to help the family!
***
Helaena knew she was dreaming. She often did. Sometimes she knew she was dreaming while awake. And sometimes she was awake when she was dreaming. When she would wake, trying to remember what she saw was like trying to hold water in her hand while running. Possible, but she had to try to keep most of it. But what was lost? And was what was kept a true possibility?
She didn't know. What she did know is she dreamed of snow. She dreamed of the earth shaking. She dreamed of things… of creatures… with terrible blue eyes. Eyes that were filled with a malevolence that matched the eyes of her sister in the darkest of her dreams. She dreamed of dragons dying in the darkness. She dreamed of Dreamfyre crashing into the ceiling of the Dragon Pit to her death. The sight of broken chain fetters still strung across her body as the rocks buried her horrified Helaena. She dreamed, and dreamed, and remembered, and forgot.
Too loud. My own head is too loud!
The dawn had not yet come, but sleep would be impossible for her. Instead, she rose and lit a candle. She began to draw, to paint what she had seen. The blue eyes. They were terrifying. Around them was flesh, pale as milk. Why did those eyes terrify her so much?
She shook her head and put the canvas down. Her sister had arrived yesterday. Helaena loved Elaena, but also feared what she may become.
Can I trust what I see? Can I trust something that contradicts itself?
Helaena truly did not know what to think. Her sister had always been a sea of calm to swim in. Of all her siblings, she most enjoyed Elaena's presence. Elaena could be loud, but it was rare. She was like Dreamfyre in that sense. Dreamfyre could roar with the best of them, but she was typically quiet, even the joy of flying did not cause much ruckus.
It seemed Helaena was to marry Aegon. Aegon was loud. It wasn't his fault; some people were just louder than others. He tried to be quiet, but his every movement screamed out. Helaena would do what she could, but she could not see herself spending much time with just him.
Aemond was also loud, but predictably so. His sound almost never varied, always intense, always there, and despite the volume, she found it comforting.
Daenora had been noisy, but it was fading. Helaena found that sad, even if it meant being around her was less exhausting. It was too early to say how loud Uthor would be, and Helaena could not recall Daeron very much. She had not seen him in some time.
As was typical for Helaena, when the time came to eat her first meal, the servants brought it to her in her room. She enjoyed the oat porridge and bread, and was interrupted with a soft knock halfway through.
"Yes?"
"Sister, may I join you?"
Helaena gave her assent and Elaena walked in. They smiled at each other, but made no move to embrace, instead Elaena sat down across from her. The two began to talk, and Elaena asked how things were going with her and the rest of the family. She also displayed an interest in any new paintings and sketches.
"I did paint recently, but I do not like them. They depict something I wish to never see."
"May I see them?"
"Yes."
Helaena showed her the painting of the eyes.
"Fearsome indeed. If the depiction bothers you, I would take it off your hands."
Helaena shrugged, for she did not care one way or the other. It wasn't as if the painting being nearby would change anything.
"You may have it, of course."
"Thank you. Helaena, I'd like to see if you would be interested in an intellectual pursuit. I learned of a game called Cyvasse in my travels. I believe with your ability to visualize, you could do well."
Helaena listened to the explanation of the game. It wasn't something that appealed to her that much, but she always wished to stay on Elaena's good side. Her feelings about her sister were always convoluted. She cherished the quiet with her, but also feared the Elaena of her visions. Playing this game would give her more time with Elaena, and would appease her. Like Elaena taught, when you could strike two rats with one stone, you should do so.
"I would love to."
Elaena smiled and grew minutely louder. The game board and pieces would be arriving in a few days. Her sister had commissioned a set and it would be arriving by sea within the week. Soon it was time for Elaena to leave. She was going to go visit Aegon, but in the afternoon all of them would go flying. Helaena enjoyed being close to Dreamfyre, especially when flying. Feeling Dreamfyre beneath her, soaring through the clouds, would help her not think of her dragon's horrific demise. As if to deny that fate she flew Helaena higher and higher, higher than she had ever flown before.
Below her she saw Sunfyre and Vermithor. Even the mighty Bronze Fury seemed small from her height.
Viktoriya flew beside her. Elaena spoke loudly over the wind.
"Helaena, 'tis dangerous to ascend this high. You will take chill and have difficulty breathing."
Helaena noticed that too; she was growing faint. With a nod and a command she flew Dreamfyre back down to the altitude of her brothers.
That was what Elaena did. She looked after them. Always. It was always unimaginable to compare the Elaena she knew when awake to that of the one in her dreams. Sometimes she felt she was going mad trying to reconcile the two.
***
Rhaenyra was delighted to see her sister. She had chosen to meet with her privately at first. Afterwards they would feast together with the rest of the family. Daemon had chosen to stay on Driftmark, but Laena was visiting with the twins and Maegor.
"So, go on, have you picked anyone? Who was the handsomest?"
Elaena arched one of her perfect silver eyebrows, "Handsomest? That is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but not overmuch important. Looks can fade over time. I have instead focused on more important considerations."
"Gods preserve me! This is the man you intend to marry, surely, you've given thought to his appearance!"
"Appearances are important, a match who can not attire himself properly for meeting with a princess is wholly unsuited of course. There were some like that, but since I've dismissed them from consideration – I care not to speak of it."
Rhaenyra sighed. This was going to be far less fun than she had thought.
"Who has appealed to you then?"
"There are a few who have caught my eye. Will you content yourself with three names?"
"Yes, do go on. Is one of them Lord Roland Crayne? I've heard he is quite comely."
"No." Elaena's voice was short and firm.
"Not your type? No matter, who has caught your eye?"
"Ser Garland Grafton, Hamish Arryn, and Ser Medrick Manderly."
Rhaenyra closed her eyes briefly and tried to recall what she knew of those.
"Ser Medrick is a courtly knight, very much at odds with the typical behavior of the North. He'll be Lord of White Harbor one day. If you like the chilly climates, I could see advantages. It is a bit far from King's Landing for my liking. I've not heard of any poor aspect to his character, but then I hear little of the North from here. What is he like?"
"He knows his courtesies, is martially inclined, and has taken the courtship seriously. I am impressed by the gifts he chose for me."
"But?" Rhaenyra asked, for she could tell there was something lingering.
"He is rather a bore, someone who lacks an inquisitive nature about the world about him. Viktoriya is also not fond of the cold."
Rhaenyra nodded. "Our dragons do seek warmer environs. Ser Garland Grafton, he will be Lord of Gulltown, right? I've heard he's done passingly well in some tournaments."
"He is also eager, but Gulltown will be his to rule in name only. The Gilded Falcon is the one who controls trade. I found him only slightly more able a conversational partner than Ser Medrick, but I suspect that will be a common occurrence. There are also intrigues in the Vale that I am not sure I fully wish to deal with."
"You refer to those ghastly murders? The ones so close to where you were staying? Is the rumor from the city that they were part of some political ploy?"
Elaena hesitated before answering, something that Rhaenyra knew most people would not catch if they had not grown up around her.
"I could not say for certain."
Rhaenyra was curious, but she was more curious about the suitors than of Vale politics.
"What about this Hamish Arryn? I do not recall ever hearing that name."
"He is the nephew of the Gilded Falcon. Nominally his heir, though not for long, and that is the problem with him. He will inherit few lands."
"Then why is he on your list of potentials?"
Elaena's lips upturned ever so fractionally. "I like him. He has a quick wit, and has introduced to me a game called Cyvasse. Something I'd like to teach my nephews. Jace is the right age, but the others are a little young for it. It will teach them strategy and planning."
Rhaenyra's own smile was much wider. Finally! Her sister had fallen for someone after all. Gulltown was closer than White Harbor, so that suited her fine.
It would be quite a scandalous step down for a royal princess. Still, I could probably convince father to accept such a match.
"Tell me more about this Hamish. What color are his eyes?"
Elaena's eye twitched for a moment, and then with a sigh proceeded to describe the features of her potential husband. Rhaenyra was a bit confused; he didn't sound particularly striking to her. And a male noble who didn't wish to become a knight?
Is he a coward? Does have some ailment?
Rhaenyra wanted her sister to be happy. But clearly, she was seeing this boy with her heart's eyes. Perhaps she should visit Hamish herself and see what the fuss was about.
"Rhaenyra, now that you've had your fill… I wanted to ask if you or Lord Corlys knew about the recent proposal on the small council regarding expanding the Waywardens to the shipping routes?"
She blinked. "No, I haven't heard of anything of the sort."
"Nor then the proposed increase in taxes to pay for it?"
Rhaenyra frowned. "No… it would seem odd. Didn't father reduce the level of taxation a few years ago? The nobility will be unhappy with it being raised again; it would have better not to do it at all if this would be the result."
Elaena looked at her closely. "Who do you have in King's Landing to represent the interests of Dragonstone and Driftmark?"
Rhaenyra blinked. "Well, father does of course!"
"That seems insufficient. As the heir to the Seven Kingdoms, it would be wise for you, or someone who represents you, to speak on your behalf in King's Landing. It need not be a formal position on the small council, but someone."
Rhaenyra chewed her lip. Alicent's father as the Hand could cause many problems. She supposed that he was moving slowly after regaining power, lest he offend and be removed again, but now he would start acting on behalf of his daughter and grandchildren.
"I will think on it, but I have no desire to live in King's Landing again near that whore."
"Do not call my mother that."
"She's not your mother!" Rhaenyra raised her voice in anger.
"Not by blood, but by custom, and tradition. She married my father while I was very young. Mother has also been a dutiful wife to our father. Do not demean yourself by uttering denigrating statements that are not the truth."
Rhaenyra glared at her sister. "If that is how you feel, sister, then for the love I hold for you, I shall try to curb my tongue when it comes to Alicent while you are here."
"Thank you. I am eager to see my nephews, and my good-brother. It will be a delight to fly with everyone again."
Rhaenyra slowly let her irritation fade. Alicent was in King's Landing and saw Elaena daily. That sort of closeness was bound to lead to some care for each other.
It may indeed be good for Elaena not to be around King's Landing. I had hoped she would be close so she could continue her visits to Dragonstone. But getting away from the viper that is Alicent is of more importance.
***
For Forrest Frey, life had become tumultuous in recent years. His older brother had fallen from his horse and died, making Forrest the new heir to the Crossing. This had created a new urgency in finding a wife for himself, as his father was growing quite frail and feeble in his dotage. Lord Vypren had pushed forward his daughter and was offering a more than generous dowry. All that was put on hold when the announcement came that Princess Elaena was going on a tour to meet with potential suitors.
Men mocked Forrest in their cups and called him the "The Fool Frey" for his boldness in asking the hand of the King's eldest daughter, while only being a second son. He cared not for their mockery; he had seen the beauty of Princess Rhaenyra and had been smitten. He would have cursed himself as a true fool for the rest of his life for not making the attempt.
The Gods had given him a second chance. The stars were aligning perfectly for him. He grieved for his brother, but Forrest saw the opportunity it now brought him. He would be the next Lord of the Crossing. He was one of the most powerful nobles of the Riverlands, a skilled knight, and willing to do what whatever it took to win this match.
There were two other suitors for her hand at the Twins, but they were not seriously in contention. When the time came for Elaena to arrive, much of the castle came out to witness her majestic dragon land. Pleasantries were exchanged and Forrest finally had the opportunity to speak with her.
"Princess Elaena, how was your flight?"
"Wonderful, as always. Viktoriya is by far my preferred means of travel."
"Certainly the fastest!" Forrest replied with cheer in his voice.
The two felt each other out as they engaged in small talk. It was clear to the Frey heir that Elaena possessed an eloquent command of language, and that her tongue was perhaps even more silver than her radiant hair. She could easily have taken charge of the conversation, even outside of her status, but she instead asked questions to observe how he responded.
Forrest was never one for half-measures. He took Elaena's hand and held it up.
"I have seen enough, Your Grace. You are the one I wish to wed. Tell me what I must do to make it so."
Elaena titled her head in response, "You are bold, I will grant you that." She made no move to withdraw her hand. "I have many suitors to see, what exactly are you offering?"
"Why do you speak as if this is a negotiation? I want to be your husband. I am willing to do what it takes. There is no need for coy behavior as if we were bartering a toll. Tell me what you need of me, and I will accept."
Elaena pulled back her hand. "I do not know you, ser. The purpose of my visit is to get to know you, and then make the comparisons with the others who would seek my hand. Tell me, why this match? Why do you desire to wed a Targaryen Princess?"
Forrest smiled. "Am I that obvious? 'Tis true, even if you were plain looking and simple-minded, I would have sought your hand. But you are neither. You are grace personified, fair as the first light of dawn, and clearly are anything but simple. As to why? Dragons. I have always been fascinated with them. They are amazing creatures. Ever since I was a boy, they have held me under a spell."
"They are grand." Elaena agreed. "There is an appeal to your directness, so I will answer in kind. I do not wish to be in the birthing bed more than twice. The act of procreation is not one I believe will bring me joy, and as such once I have birthed two children, we would not lie again together as man and woman."
Forrest's brow wrinkled.
A harsh stipulation, for I spoke truly, her Targaryen features and blue eyes are striking and lovely.
"I cannot pretend to be happy with such a condition, but it is one I could abide by. I have many cousins and nephews if we only had daughters."
"And if I wished a daughter to inherit?"
Forrest shifted with uncertainty. This sounded close to court politics regarding the King's heir. Elaena was said to be close to both factions, if he answered wrong, he worried it would doom his chances.
"It creates difficulties, but should said daughter have a dragon, I doubt any of my kin would attempt to object."
Elaena let out a short laugh.
"You are an unexpected delight, Ser Forrest. You certainly have my attention, come, let us speak more of the Twins, and your lands. Convince me of what you have to offer and why I should make this my home in comparison to one of the major cities of Westeros."
Forrest regaled her with tales of the Riverlands. He spoke on the importance of the Green Fork of the Trident, and the vast region that was under Frey sway.
"We are wealthier than our overlords, and can field more men. House Frey is the best match you can find in the Riverlands, for certain. While we have no great city, many travelers use the only crossing for leagues in all directions. You will have singers, dancers, and storytellers to your heart's content."
Forrest watched Elaena as he spoke, she kept a courtly mien and gave little way, but he could tell the areas of interest that he spoke of in the sharpening of her eyes. Talk of the crossing and wealth seemed to appeal to her. Rumor had it that when she was younger, the King allowed her to name the Dragon Bank. She wore few pieces of jewelry, yet she cared of wealth. Truly, she was a fascinating mystery to Forrest.
In the following days Forrest dined with her, rode with her, and even had the opportunity to touch the scales of Viktoriya. That had been a wonderous experience. He thought he had made a solid impression on the princess, but she had demurred in making a decision, only saying that she would honor her prior word to give each suitor an opportunity. Forrest could only pray to the Gods that he would be the one chosen.