(Third Person POV)
As the Maester stitched up the wound on Aerion's forehead, Ser Gerold stood next to him with an angry scowl.
"That was reckless, Lord Aerion!" He scolded, "You could've gotten yourself killed! We agreed that when you attempt to claim the dragon, you would be in company to keep you safe!"
Aerion had a smile on his face, not even reacting to the needle piercing his skin. His right arm was bandaged up already; he had suffered two major wounds, the one on his head and a gash on his forearm. Other than that, he was okay.
They were in a chambers, where the maester was tending to his injuries.
"But I'm alive." Aerion merely said
The doors opened and King Viserys walked in, "Aerion!" He called for the boy, "My boy, are you okay?"
He walked over to them and looked at the wounds, grimacing. Queen Allicent and Lord Lyonel Strong walked behind him as Rhaenyra and Laenor soon walked inside as well.
"Your Grace." Aerion said with a smile
"Will he be alright?" Viserys asked the Maester
"The wounds will heal, no major effects from the looks of it." the maester said as he wiped some blood off his forehead, "He is incredibly resilient, I am impressed he is still conscious with the amount of blood lost from his forehead. There might be scars, however."
Viserys nodded, "Good." He said before looking at Aerion, "Are you mad, Aerion? Sneaking away and attempting to claim Vermithor? The fiercest dragon in the world? His temper is worse than Vhagar's!"
Aerion shook his head, "Not attempting....I claimed him." He said, "He's mine now."
Ser Gerold cleared his throat, "It was still dangerous...." he said
Viserys sighed, "My boy." He said, "What would've happened if you had lost your life? What would I have told your Father?"
"My Father?" Aerion scowled, "What does he care? He's not here. He didn't bring my sisters for me to meet them. Would he care that I claimed Vermithor? I don't know, but all that matters to me is that I claimed him. I am a Dragonrider now."
"Aerion!" Ser Gerold scolded, "Watch your tone when speaking to the King!"
Allicent chuckled, "The boy has his Father's spirit, I suppose." she said, "Speaking so freely to the King."
Aerion was about to say something but stopped himself, not wanting to say something out of line.
Rhaenyra stepped forward, "This is worth celebrating, Your Grace." she said, "Not only has Prince Aegon displayed his dragon-riding abilities, Lord Aerion has claimed a dragon. Truly, a splendid day."
Allicent gave Rhaenyra an annoyed glance, something Rhaenyra didn't catch but Ser Laenor did.
Viserys sighed as he wheezed slightly, "Aerion." he said, "Understand something, boy. We.....I....care for you. This was a dangerous and childish act. But alas, what is done cannot be undone. You are right, Vermithor is claimed. He is your dragon."
He took a step back and chuckled as he looked at the others in the room.
"Never in the years after my Grandsire passed did I expect his dragon to be claimed. The Bronze Fury, infamous for his temper that personified Jaehaerys..." He continued, "Perhaps...Vermithor saw him within Aerion and hung his neck for the first time in decades."
Rhaenyra looked at Aerion and gave him an approving smile, nothing but pride and joy in her eyes as Aerion merely nodded.
Ser Gerold cleared his throat, "My apologies, however, Your Grace." He said, "I didn't wish for this to interrupt the party. I will have my men escort the Lord back to Runestone safely."
"Nonsense." Viserys said, "Aerion is a Dragonrider now. He can be free about in the skies as he wishes, he is Targaryen after all. Well done, Aerion, I am glad for you."
He then walked out of the room as the Maester finished up on Aerion's forehead.
"If you have any pains, Milord." the maester said, "Let me know, I'll prepare some ointments for your wounds."
Aerion nodded, "Thank you." He said as the maester straightened up and walked away
Allicent gave him a somewhat genuine smile, "Congratulations, Aerion." She said simply before walking out of the room
Ser Laenor wasted no time in walking up to the boy and patted his shoulder, "You mad little dragon." He chuckled, "You did it!"
Aerion nodded, "I did."
Laenor patted his head, "Well done, boy." He said, "Do you wanna race sometime?"
Aerion's eyes glimmered, "Really?" He said, "How about now???"
"No." Ser Gerold said, "Not until your wounds fully heal."
Aerion frowned, "Why?" He said, "I...."
"I said no." Ser Gerold insisted, "Apologies, Ser Laenor, but he does not know his own limits."
"You are right, Ser Gerold." Laenor said with a chuckled, "Perhaps another time, Aerion."
Laenor walked away as Rhaenyra followed, giving Aerion a smile before leaving the room.
Aerion sighed as he looked at Ser Gerold, "It has happened, Uncle." He said, "It finally happened."
Ser Gerold nodded as he let out an exhale, "Yes, it has." He said,
"Your mother would be proud."
************************************************
[Pentos, A Few Months Later]
Inside a manse that was provided by the Prince of Pentos, Daemon Targaryen sat in a study, reading some texts as a valyrian steel sword laid next to him on the table.
The sword was not his Dark Sister, that one leaned against the table next to him. This one was a different sword that he came across during one of his flights.
The door opened and Laena Velaryon walked inside, holding a letter in hand, "Husband." She said
Daemon didn't look up, "Laena." He said, "The girls?"
"Asleep." She said as she stood a few meters away from him
"Good." Daemon said, "Some alone time for tonight then."
Laena noticed the sword, "That sword." She started, "Is that from the Tyroshi pirates that attacked you?"
Daemon nodded, "One of their treasures." He said, "I don't recognize it to be Westerosi despite it being similar to it...mayhaps a lost blade....Nevertheless, it is a valuable thing to have."
"Valyrian Steel is incredibly rare." Laena said as she walked over to him, "What do you plan to do with it?"
"Sell it." Daemon said, "I want to see what the highest bidder can pay for it."
"I think I have another suggestion," Laena said as she placed the letter down next to him, "Mother wrote to me, I think you'd be interested to read it."
Daemon looked at her, "Hm?" He said, "I told you she can come and visit if she wants to see the girls."
"No. Read it." Laena patted the letter with a smile, "I'm serious."
Daemon scoffed, "Fine." He said as he picked the letter up and read it
It read:
"Dearest Laena,
One of the greatest things happened, I regret that you were not there to witness it. My Grandsire's Dragon, The Bronze Fury was claimed and taken to the skies. The rider? Aerion Targaryen, son of your Husband.
Tell Daemon not to neglect the poor boy anymore.
With Love,
Your Mother "
Daemon's expression was that of a slightly surprised one.
"Vermithor?" He said, "Aerion claimed Vermithor?"
Laena chuckled, "Yes." She said, "You should be proud."
"Impressive." Daemon said, "That old bronze fuck is grouchier than Vhagar."
"Don't you find it ironic?" Laena said, "Aerion is related to those bronze knights you always insult in every breath you take and he claimed the biggest bronze grouch."
Daemon chuckled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "It is ironic." He said, "What would you have me do?"
Laena looked at the sword, "Reward him, of course." She said,
"Give him the sword."