Daeranyx POV
The journey to Dragonstone took no more than two hours on the back of a dragon. As Meleys and Caraxes descended from the clouds, Anarion swiftly followed, outpacing the other two dragons. My first glimpse of Dragonstone was met with fierce winds buffeting my face. The island appeared exactly as described in books and series: dark and foreboding. The keep, crafted from the famed Valyrian black stone, further accentuated the island's ominous aura, even in daylight.
My gaze moved from the keep to the mountain upon whose base it sits. The rising black smoke allowed me to infer that this mountain, known as Dragonmont, is a volcano located on Dragonstone. Meleys and Caraxes emitted roars of delight as Dragonstone we reach closer to Dragonstone. They accelerated their flight, clearly elated to approach the island. Although Anarion did not roar, our bond told me he too was pleased, sensing the familiar scents of sulfur and ash emanating from Dragonstone.
Following Rhaenys and Daemon's lead, we landed our dragons at the base of Dragonmont, near the keep of Dragonstone. Each dragon dived down to land in turn, finding ample space to settle as we dismounted. Caraxes and Meleys made their way toward their own caves in Dragonmont, while Anarion, after receiving a few pats from me, also entered the vast cave that branched into numerous paths within Dragonmont, seeking a resting spot as close to the volcanic heat as possible. Anarion's preference for the volcano's warmth is something I know both from the memories of this body's previous owner and from my own experience.
I began walking towards Rhaenys, who was waiting for me alone, as Daemon had apparently already left for the keep. Upon reaching her, she guided me towards the keep, which resembled a combination of multiple dragon statues rather than a typical castle. "This mountain, where our dragon landed, is called Dragonmont. It's a volcano, not fully active, but semi-active. The dragons prefer this place far more than the Dragonpit or Driftmark. I believe you already understand why they favour it," Rhaenys explained, ending with a laugh.
As we approached the keep, I understood why this castle held a dark reputation among the seven kingdoms. The people of Westeros, both lords and peasants alike, believe that Valyrian sorcerers have melted the stones and reconstructed it with the aid of fire and sorcery. They are not mistaken; the famed black stone of Valyria is created by liquefying stones with the help of dragon flame and shaping it into any form the Valyrian sorcerers desire, using High Valyrian incantations. Subsequently, Rhaenys proceeded to acquaint me with each tower of the keep, identifying them individually to specify which one she was referring to.
The first tower she pointed out was the Windwyrm Tower, which is shaped like a dragon and appears to scream defiance. Then, she introduced the Sea Dragon Tower, resembling a dragon that gazes serenely across the sea. Honestly, I have seen such towers in the memories I acquired upon entering this world. However, witnessing them with my own eyes is a vastly different experience than seeing them in memories, akin to the difference between watching something in a film and experiencing it in real life. Rhaenys informed me that visiting nobles are accommodated in the Sea Dragon Tower, while the Maester of the keep resides at the pinnacle, alongside the rookery.
"The final, yet imposing tower you see is known as the Stone Drum Tower, serving as the central keep of Dragonstone. It earns its name from the thunderous sounds heard during storms. The high, stone-roofed bridge arching into the void connects the Stone Drum to the dungeon entrance. Atop the Stone Drum is the Chamber of the Painted Table, a circular room housing the Painted Table, a vast table carved and painted to resemble a detailed map of Westeros. Viserys might have described the Painted Table with more fervor than I have, but all who have seen it agree on one thing: it is a masterpiece, undoubtedly crafted with great thought by the Conqueror. With this, I have acquainted you with all the towers of Dragonstone. Now, before we tour the castle itself, it seems prudent for us both to freshen up after our two-hour flight on our Dragons. As fond as I am of Meleys and dragonkind, I must admit they emit a rather strong odour which is very pleasant to smell for long period of time. Therefore, I shall have the servants lead you to your prepared bedchamber," Rhaenys declared, her tone laced with clear amusement towards the end.
I believe riding the Dragon has improved her mood, which was previously marred by anger and frustration. "I can't argue about the Dragon's odour. Take your time to freshen up; we have the whole day ahead of us," I told her with a smile. She nodded and instructed the nearby servants to lead me to my bedchamber. I followed the servants towards the castle. The chamber assigned to me was decorated with luxurious items, but I disregarded them and began to undress, eager for the hot bath that had been prepared, as indicated by the rising steam.
****_****
I followed the servant who had come to escort me to Rhaenys, who awaited me in the grand hall of Dragonstone. As we made our way, I marveled at the statues of small dragons, basilisks, cockatrices, demons, griffins, hellhounds, manticores, minotaurs, wyverns, and a host of other mythical creatures. I pondered how the Valyrians could have crafted such figures without real creatures to model them after. Perhaps, like in my own world, these beings are merely figments of the imagination. Yet, what struck me was their resemblance to the creatures I've seen on Earth, not exact replicas, but eerily similar, nonetheless.
Lost in deep thought, I was jolted back to reality by the sound of the doors opening. My gaze shifted to the heavy red doors of the great hall, set like a mouth, as we passed beneath the gateway's teeth and through the dragon's maw. Memories of Daeranyx and Valyrian architecture flooded my mind, yet even in Old Valyria, the dragon theme was not as prevalent in their castles as it is in Dragonstone. My eyes swept over the great hall to Rhaenys, who stood gazing at the black stone throne of the heir apparent. She turned towards me, alerted by the echo of our footsteps in the empty hall.
"Welcome, Lord Drakonar, to the great hall of Dragonstone," Rhaenys began, "as you might have been informed by the servants who guided you here. This grand hall is fashioned like a colossal dragon resting on its belly. The doors through which you entered, resembling the maw of a dragon, must have caught your attention..." As Rhaenys's voice trailed off, she turned to look behind me. The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, the expression on her face told me all I needed to know, so I didn't have to turn around to see who had come. "Daemon, why are you here?" she demanded, her teeth clenched.
"I thought we had discussed this..." "Who knows when the Cannibal will take the bait and emerge from his den for us to put him down. Therefore, I propose we do not delay any further and begin today. After we verify whether the Cannibal emerges today or not, you could give Lord Drakonar a tour, without any disturbance from me of course." he stated, cutting off Rhaenys mid-sentence. Observing Rhaenys' frustrated expression, it was clear she, like me, had anticipated that Daemon would waste no time after arriving at Dragonstone to initiate his pursuit of the Cannibal.
Here is my P@treon if you want to read ahead. Just remove the space and you will be led to my profile page there.
P atreon.com/Daeranyx_Drakonar
I am grateful for your support. Please consider this a donation, as I will not be keeping chapters behind a paywall indefinitely.