Chereads / Last True Remnant of Old Valyria / Chapter 39 - Something in the Mindscape

Chapter 39 - Something in the Mindscape

Third Person POV

Vhagar's wings unfurled with a majestic sweep, catching the wind as she ascended into the sky. The ritual conducted by Daeranyx, the Dragon-lord from Old Valyria, who witnessed skies filled with dragons and their riders reveling in the thrill of flight, significantly deepened Laena's connection with Vhagar. Her once lethargic dragon, shrouded in a mental fog, now surged with a vitality that defied her years. The ceremony did more than just fortify their bond; it rejuvenated Vhagar, dispelling the haze in her mind and endowing her with a burst of energy. This transformation was yet another reason for Laena's growing affection for Daeranyx. He embodied the qualities she envisioned in a future husband and more.

Laena, though fatigued from the intense ritual, felt a surge of exhilaration as Vhagar responded to her slightest commands. No longer did she need to use a whip at every command to direct the dragon; Vhagar's movements were fluid and intuitive, a testament to the deep connection forged between rider and dragon. Daeranyx, sitting besider her is looking upward where his own Dragon is making circle around Vhagar to let not his rider out of sight on another Dragon's back.

And for Daeranyx the experience of riding Vhagar was something that he had feel when riding Anarion. The dragon's powerful muscles rippled beneath them same as Anarion, each beat of her wings propelling them higher with effortless grace. The air was crisp and clear, the world below shrinking as they soared above Blackwater Bay. The waters glistened like a sea of diamonds, and the sprawling expanse of King's Landing lay beneath them, a tapestry of life and activity.

Vhagar's progress was unmistakable. Her flight had become smoother, her reactions faster, and her strength more evident. Laena was in awe of how effortlessly Vhagar soared through the skies, her maneuvers exact and deliberate. The connection they shared had surpassed anything Laena could have ever dreamed of; she had never realized the depth of the bond she could form with Vhagar.

Yet, despite Vhagar's newfound vigor, she had not yet reached the level of Anarion, Daeranyx's dragon. Anarion, though much younger, was already approaching Vhagar's size, his growth and potential extraordinary. His presence above them was a constant reminder of the power and promise of youth. As they circled the skies above King's Landing, Anarion flew around them, and his jealousy evident to Laena. Laena could see that he disliked Daeranyx riding any dragon other than him, but had been convinced by Daeranyx, the nature of which remained undisclosed to her as she was not able to hear what Daeranyx has told his mount.

The flight was akin to what Laena had imagined riding one of the conqueror's dragons would feel like. However, after her first journey on Vhagar, she realized that her new mount had aged and lost much of the vigour that once was present in the past. But now Vhagar's mighty wings beat in a steady rhythm, the wind whistling past as they cut through the air. And Laena, despite her fatigue, felt a sense of peace and exhilaration. The sky was their domain, a vast expanse of freedom and possibility. The recent betrothal of Daeranyx and Laena added another layer of connection.

As they flew, the bond between Laena and Vhagar grew even stronger. The dragon's eyes, once clouded, now shone with clarity and intelligence. Vhagar's movements were a dance of power and precision, each turn and dive executed with perfect grace. The experience was exhilarating for both Laena and Vhagar, a testament to the power of the ritual and the deep connection between rider and dragon.

The skies above King's Landing bore witness to the majestic flight of Vhagar and Anarion, a display of power that was not seen after the death of Balerion. The city below, with its bustling streets and towering spires, seemed a world away as both predators soared above. The bond between Laena and Vhagar, strengthened by the ritual, was being enjoyed by both as they made many circles around the Blackwater Bay. 

After a while, as Laena showed no signs of coaxing Vhagar to land, Daeranyx alerted her to her fatigued state. Following their conversation, Laena prompted Vhagar to descend near the gates of King's Landing, allowing them to procure a horse to the Red Keep.

Daeranyx POV

Upon reaching the Red Keep and ensuring Laena was safely in her chambers, I proceeded to my own quarters to bathe and change into attire suitable for swordsmanship training. Mastery of the sword is a crucial skill for reputation in these times; nobles here and in Essos may not respect a wizard, but a knight or a man adept with a sword garners esteem. Moreover, I must utilize my first wish. Although it's not solely focused on weaponry, as I would also swiftly learn warfare tactics due to the looming conflict. I believe I would gain more from being in the midst of battle than from training here, yet it is essential to understand how to wield a sword or other war weapons, as swords are not always the optimal choice in warfare.

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After returning from an exhausting swordsmanship training session with the Gold Clocks, in where I tried to find Daemon or any member of the King's Guard for a sparring match in the courtyard, but finding none, I settled for a bout with the Gold Clock. While defeats are inevitable when facing the realm's finest, the lessons learned from such spars are invaluable. Having bathed to cleanse myself of sweat, dust, and mud, I plan to practice the space magic I've been studying lately. Additionally, I must find time to discuss contracts with Corlys, as his signature is required for the agreements between our houses.

After completing all my necessary tasks, I entered my dimension to practice magic. I began by trying to apparate silently and tried to master as much space magic as possible. Knowledge from two wizards has taught me that with practice, I could achieve silent, wandless apparition. To advance further, I must understand the mechanics of my travel from one place to another. This understanding is crucial for taking my apparition skills to the next level, which is my goal. I recognize that mastering such skills takes time; it's not something one can grasp in just a day or two. Patience is a virtue I've learned from two venerable wizards, and it has served them well, making it an invaluable lesson for me.

After an hour, I ceased apparating and slumped down beside a tree to catch my breath. In the midst of apparition, I began to cast spells wandlessly to improve my control of magic, a skill that could prove vital should I find myself surrounded by enemies. I closed my eyes and entered my mindscape, striving to organize it as thoroughly as possible for mental clarity.

I had finished organizing things in my mindscape and was reviewing Daeranyx's memories to see if he had read something he deemed unimportant to remember, but which could be helpful to me. While I was in the midst of this task, I felt something move to my left. In the outside world, I might have dismissed it as an animal or a squirrel. However, in my mindscape, there are no squirrels, and the animals that do exist are products of my imagination; they don't appear unless I summon them. And I had not summoned any of them to me just now.

I rose to my feet and attempted to approach the source of a subtle movement. As I did, the creature, whatever it was, took flight. In that fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of wings that were breathtakingly beautiful. I've seen Vezofina's wings, which are undeniably soft and beautifully colored. However, the wings I had just seen appeared almost otherworldly. During that brief encounter, I experienced a sensation as if the creature was a part of me. I have a slight notion of what it might be because if an animal that I haven't conjured in my imagination exists in my mind, it can only mean one thing.

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