Peacefully, in his sleep.
Posted on Sat Dec 5th, 2020 @ 8:04pm by King Aethan Velaryon & Lady Shireen Velaryon
Mission:
The Great Council
Location: Dragonstone
Timeline: Current
Dragonstone, at one time in history it was the only seat of House Targaryen in Westeros, used as a trading outpost by the family for the Valyrian Freehold. soon after Aegon's Conquest of the Seven Kingdoms it became the seat of the heir to the Iron Throne, occupied by Targaryen's from then until Robert's Rebellion when the remaining Targaryen children were whisked away to Essos. King Robert gave rule of Dragonstone to his brother Stannis who served as Lord of Dragonstone until Robert's Death. King Stannis used Dragonstone as his seat during the War of Five Kings, leaving it to follow the Red Lady North where he was eventually killed.
Dragonstone sat empty until Queen Daenerys Targaryen sailed to Westeros and took her family's ancestral seat there to plot her own conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. Following the Great War, and Daenerys' death at the hand of her nephew, Dragonstone was once more unoccupied.
When House Velaryon laid claim to the island, no other houses in Blackwater Bay raised issue. The Velaryon's were certainly the most powerful house in the area, and the one with the strongest familial claim to Dragonstone. Once again the Blood of Old Valyria took residence in Dragonstone.
The castle itself had held up rather well throughout the multiple occupancies over the centuries. A testament to the superior quality of Valyrian architecture. Of course, the Velaryons had to make some repairs and updates so the imposing fortress so it could suit their needs. The Sept at Dragonstone had to be completely rebuilt, and the ports we redone to suit the seafaring Velaryons. This took many years but all of it was well worth the wait. Finally, this ancient house had a place befitting their centuries of service and loyalty.
In the months that had passed since the deaths of Lord Syraes and Lady Brunella while at sea, their eldest son Aethan, now Lord of Dragonstone and head of House Velaryon, had spent much of his time with Maester Keven studying. The death of Lord and Lady Velaryon was a surprise to their family, but it seemed to be affecting Aethan harder than most. Perhaps it was the newfound responsibility that he found himself burdened with, or perhaps it was simply the overwhelming grief of losing both parents at once. nevertheless, he found solace in studies. If he was to be Lord, he wanted to know all he could.
Today Maester Kevan arrived with Aethan's grandmother, Lady Shireen, both had looks of concern as they entered the library. The Maester of Dragonstone was not old by any stretch of the word, he has maybe 10 or 15 years Aethon's senior. His hair was strawberry blonde and his eye a deep blue-green colour. Both features stood out prominently against his grey robes.
Shireen was a woman in her 80's. Her hair was always kept neatly in an undo style that was 'all the rage' in her younger days. She still wore black to mourn her son and daughter-in-law. She walked slowly, but with a determined pace, with the aid of an ornate cane of silver.
"My Lord." Maester Kevan greeted Aethan with a slight bow at the neck as he approached. "We have received a raven from the capital, and another from the Citadel. " He pulled the messages from his robe pocket and cleared his throat to speak clearly. "The Small Council solemnly announces that Waynn of the House Lyderly, the First of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Six Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm has died peacefully, in his sleep. While the kingdoms mourn, representatives of the Great Houses of Westeros are hereby called to convene a Great Council to elect a new monarch in one moths time. Until that time, The Hand of the King shall rule in their stead as Protector of the Realm and Lord of the Six Kingdoms. " The Maester looked up from the parchment and made eye contact with an overwhelmed looking Lord Aethan.
"More death." Aethan muttered.
"Now, as a great house and one of the most powerful in the Crownlands, our present isn't just requested it is expected. " Shireen spoke with a hint of warning to her voice.
Aethan nodded. In truth he was used to his Grandmother speaking to him like a child. It was simply her nature to do so. Still, he respected her counsel on the topic. "I should make my way to Kings Landing soon, to make it there for the King's funeral ahead of the Council." He said, his eyes reflecting the sunlight that poured through the stained glass of the Library windows.
"Yes, I'll be coming as well. For both the funeral and the Great Council." Shireen sounded quite set on her decision.
Since it seemed he had no choice but to accept his Grandmother's company, Aethan stood and nodded. "Maester Kevan, have the dockmaster prepare the Sea Snake for our journey to the capital. And have Septa Raena help Lady Shireen prepare her things." Aethan stepped out from behind the table he had occupied and started toward the large, intricately designed iron gates that doored the Library. "I'll be in my chambers." He spoke, struggling to keep control inside of himself. The young Velaryon man left the library to get ready for his travels. "Send Word when the ship is ready."
"Of course my Lord." Maester Kevan called after his young master.
Shireen leaned on her silver cane. "Well, I was hoping for some fight." She shrugged at the Maester and followed her grandson from the room.
