The Heir of the Dragon: A Rhaenyra Targaryen Quest

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For you, the choice was obvious. You had to test these men for yourself.

"Knight Commander," you say with respect as you turn towards your former sworn shield. "Would you say that one of the most important duties of a member of a Kingsguard day to day is guarding the King and the Targaryen family from would-be assassins and bandits along the road?"

Ser Westerling looked contemplative for a second before nodding in agreement.

"While I would not say those are problems we deal with most days," he explained, "save for times of war, assassins and brigands would be our order's main concern. Yes."

"Excellent," you reply as you turn towards one of the nearby servants. "Mira, have the armorer fetch my training gear and some wooden swords."

The servant nodded and hurried away as you turned your attention towards the knights below, Otto and Westerling both staring at you in naked confusion.

"Good sers, I ask you for a moment of patience," you say warmly to the gathered knights. "I will be down there shortly."

"Princess, what are you doing?" Otto's voice was filled with bewilderment as you began to walk away.

"I wish to test these men myself," you explain as you walk. "See how their skills compare to mine."

"What would this accomplish?" Westerling asked, looking completely befuddled. "These men have already been put through the proper trials. Each of them would be more than your match, Princess."

"I am ten and four years of age. I would very much hope so," you reply with a sly smirk, "And I am certain these men could kill any bandit or would be assassin. The question is a matter of speed. The longer a bandit or murderer lives, the longer they pose a threat to my father or myself. I want to see how quickly they can beat me."

Westerling paused, an uncertain expression etched across his face for a moment.

"Princess I must protest this in the strongest terms," Otto argued as he followed after you. "These knights and their families will see this as a grave insult."

You ignored him as you walked on.

By the time you reached the knights, now fitted with training armor and wooden blade in hand, Ser Caron and many of the knights you already gave up on had vanished, apparently storming off in a fury at the idea of having to fight a girl. That suited you just fine. If they were that disapproving now, they would only be a hindrance to you going forward.

Three knights remained. Mallister, Cole, and Tarly. Cole's expression had changed considerably since he first approached you. Gone was the smooth charm of his that almost filled the room when he smiled, replaced with a clear sharp tension in his stance, and a gaze that was at once vacant and staring into her very soul. It was unsettling to behold.

"I have no doubt all of you are fine knights," you say as you hold your training sword. "But I need to see your skills in action. I want to see how quickly each of you could disarm me or knock me off my feet. Whoever does it the quickest and or with the most skill shall be my new sworn shield. Is that agreeable?"

Two knights nodded and gave affirmations, and Ser Cole saying nothing and only giving the smallest of nods.

As Otto Hightower looked on with an expression of intense frustration, you raised your sword as servants prepared training swords for each of the three knights.

"Who shall go first?" You asked.

Ser Rymun Mallister stepped forward.

"Don't expect me to go easy on you, Princess," Ser Mallister declared, "I've seen boys smaller than you knock grown men twice their size because the men were overconfident. I will not make such a mistake."

"It gladdens me to hear that, ser knight," you reply warmly. "Shall we begin?"

In truth, you expected to only last a short time, maybe get a few hits in to prove you had talent but you had little expectation of lasting very long. You suspected everyone gathered thought much the same.

What happened next took everyone by surprise. Ser Mallister had lived up to his promise and attacked you without hesitation, only for you to turn aside his wooden blade. You pressed the attack quickly, using your own strength to nearly force the blade out of his hand.

The two of you clashed for several minutes. While you were never able to truly gain the upper hand save for that brief moment in the beginning, you held your own quite well. Your own blade remaining firmly in your hand, while also keeping his away from your body.

Watching the man's expression change over the fight had been interesting. From calm self-confidence to shock and anger over your early moves, gradually shifting to a look of approval.

"You fight well, Princess," Rymun remarked in between blows. "I've known boys with four namedays on you who fight with half as much skill."

"You honor me, Ser," you remark as you turn away his blade.

Fighting for any sustained length of time is hard on the body, even for someone as young as you. Eventually exhaustion got the better of you and one of Ser Rymun's blows forced the blade out of your hand.

The two of you stood there for a moment, the room filled with the sound of your labored breaths as sweat poured down your face.

"Well fought, Ser Rymun," you said as you picked up your training sword. "Victory is yours."

"My thanks, Princess," the knight replied as he dropped his own wooden blade. "But that was no victory. It's clear I am not worthy of the white cloak. It was a good fight though. You should be proud."

Though he did his best to hide it, it was clear the knight's pride was wounded. This was not the fight either of you, or anyone gathered, had expected.

By the time you recovered enough to fight Ser Criston, a small crowd of onlookers had gathered, Alicent among them. Apparently news had spread through the Red Keep that the princess had held off a seasoned knight for some time and nearly forced a draw.

"Do not go easily on me, Ser Criston," you smiled as you talked. "I will not make the same mistakes my uncle made."

"I will not underestimate you, Princess," he replied, still staring at you with that unnerving, almost blank, look in his eyes.

Ser Criston attacked you with furious energy. His attacks less the attacks of a seasoned knight and more the efforts of a half mad reaver. The crowd gasped in shock as he all but wailed on you. You held your ground, each blow hitting your blade a thundering hammer strike.

Thankfully, Criston's attacks were so full of anger and strength that they became downright sloppy, allowing you to hold your own, for a time at least. Eventually one of his blows knocked the sword out of your hand and pointed the rounded edge of his own training blade at your neck.

"Well met, Ser Criston," you said, a nervous edge creeping into your voice until he lowered the blade. It was clear he was something beyond furious at having to fight you at all and the fact you had been able to stand against him even if only for a short while had only made that fury grow deeper.

The man said nothing as he lowered his blade and stepped back, Knight-Commander Westerling staring at him in disapproval.

The charm the man had shown at the tourney was a mask it seemed. The real Ser Criston was a far more simple and uglier figure.

Finally, after taking a break, Ser Raylon Tarly stepped forward.

"My father told me he fought women numerous times while he was repelling Dornish raids," the Tarly knight explained. "He said all of them fought twice as hard as any man."

"I hope one day I will match such skill and ferocity," you replied as you readied your training sword.

To your surprise, the older man motioned for you to make the first move. You stared at him curiously for a moment then made your strike, only for him to turn your blade aside almost casually. Earning a number of gasps from the crowd.

"You're strong, quite strong," Ser Raylon praised, "but whoever trains you is much too cautious, probably scared of hurting a princess. You're not taking proper advantage of that strength."

The man's comment catches you off guard, nearly allowing him to knock the sword out of your hand right then and there. You just barely managed to hang on.

With the Mallister, there had been the ghost of a chance, and even against Cole you had been able to hold your own. Not so in this case. The older knight may have lacked Ser Criston's strength, but his skill more than made up for it. It was quite apparent you were outmatched.

Within a matter of moments your sword was on the ground.

"Well fought, Princess," he said with a bow.

"You flatter me, Ser," you reply through heavy breathes. "Knight-Commander? Please find Ser Raylon a white Cloak. I believe he's more than earned it."

At that, a broad smile appeared across the face of your new Sworn Shield.

New Relationship Gained: Ser Raylon Tarly

Relationship with Otto Hightower Degraded

Relationship with Ser Harrold Westerling Degraded

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Your duel with the various kingsguard candidates sparked quite the conversation in the Red Keep, particularly as tale spread you fought a knight to what was effectively a stand still. Otto Hightower had been quite angry about it at the next small council meeting, saying you had made a mockery of the whole event and insulted Houses Mallister and Caron. However, your father had been more amused than frustrated by the whole affair, arguing that as it was your sworn shield you had the right to test them as you saw fit.

The passing of months were mostly calm save for two bits of dark news. First was news from the Stepstones. The Triarchy has stepped up its attacks in the region, particularly against ships bound for Driftmark. Apparently an admiral called 'Crabfeeder' is capturing Westerosi crews and having them impaled on the beaches and left for his namesake. While none of House Velyarion's ships had been attacked yet, Lord Corlys has made clear that if and when that happens he will expect action from the King.

The second, and more personally concerning, bit of news was your father's illness. Your father had cut himself on his throne during his argument with your uncle and the wounds had not healed since. The news was not common knowledge at all in the Red Keep, the damaged finger being hidden by gloves. You yourself only learned about it by chance. Your father and Grand Maester Mellos insist it will be fine, that experts were coming from the Citadel to take care of it. You had your doubts but you knew little about afflictions and illnesses.

You've heard whispers among the lords of a desire to see your father remarry. Even those who accept you as heir are worried. You are an only child and if something were to happen to you, Daemon would be heir again. Thankfully, no one is bold enough to bring up such suggestions to your grieving father yet.

Beyond that, not much has changed these last few months. Your uncle remains brooding on Dragonstone and the topic has all but vanished from conversation in the small council, with almost all convinced he will grow bored in time. Your father has given you frustratingly little to do as heir, mainly just still acting as his cupbearer at the Small Council.

Fourth Season, 112 AC

Each turn is 3 months, though this may change as the quest goes on. You can pick either from the options below for your tasks or use write-in actions after QM approval. Please use plan voting for turn votes.

Conversations (Pick Two)

[] Speak with Viserys
There is little more you can do to help with his grief and you have no desire to even approach the subject of him remarrying yet, but you are worried about his illness. He insists it's fine but perhaps a more in depth conversation might assure your fears.

[] Speak with Alicent
While you and Alicent haven't spoken much recently, you know there is no one else in the Red Keep who would understand the pain you are going through right now better than her. Perhaps Alicent can help you deal with the grief of losing your mother. Maybe you could even begin to repair your strained friendship.

[] Speak with Otto Hightower
The Hand of the King has little interest in speaking with you at this moment.

[] Speak with Gwayne Hightower
Alicent's brother has left King's Landing.

[] Speak with Knight Commander Harrold Westerling
Harrold has been by your side since you were a child. He has been a friend and your stalwart shield for years. He has never been supportive of your efforts to learn how to fight and even less so of your desire to become a knight. Mayhaps his thoughts have changed now that you are heir to the throne and he is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

[] Speak with Ser Raylon Tarly
You know little about your new Sworn Shield and it would do well to get to know him better. The man is a proven knight and some of his remarks seemed promising. Perhaps he might be willing to do what Westerling never was and help in your training.

[] Speak with Lord Corlys Velyarion
From what little you know, it seems like the Sea Snake was one of the least supportive voices on the Small Council for your father's decision to name you heir, perhaps still bitter over his wife being overlooked by the Great Council of 101. If you could try and begin to win him over, that would go a long ways to shoring up your support on the Small Council. He may also have advice on your own aspirations for a seat on the council as well. And if there is anyone who would be willing to listen to your thoughts on the Triarchy and their actions in the Stepstones, it would be the Master of Ships.

[] Speak with Rhaenys Targaryen
The Queen who never was. Had her father outlived the old King, it is highly likely that she would be the ruling Queen by now. In many ways you have everything that has been denied to her, twice over. No doubt there is tension, perhaps you could smooth things over.

[] Speak with Lord Lyonel Strong
The Master of Laws and Lord of Harrenhal. A Stalwart voice on the council and man you know generally strives to do what is best for the Kingdom. He may be able to give you some good advice on how to earn a seat on the council, and if nothing else his support would be useful.

[] Write-in
Subject to QM approval, has to have a reasonable chance of being in King's Landing.

Actions (Pick Two)

[] Relax
A lot has happened recently. Your mother has died and you have been suddenly thrust into a position that will one day make you the most powerful person in Westeros. That's a lot for one person to handle in a short period of time. Perhaps you should take some time to yourself, read in the godswood, fly around with Syrax for fun, and just enjoy yourself for a while.

[] Study the history of the Small Council
King Jaehaerys ruled for over five decades. His Small Council, particularly during the years Septon Barth served as Hand, kept decently detailed records of its decisions and some of the activities of its members. Perhaps if you understood better how the Small Council functioned it could help you in your efforts to attain a seat one day.

[] Investigate the Death of King Aenys
Most Maesters and other writers agree that Queen Visenya had poisoned her nephew, King Aenys, to allow her own son to take the throne. But you have already seen how much those same authors were willing to ignore Visenya's contributions and slander her already. Perhaps this is simply another case of slander. If you could prove that, it could improve Queen Visenya's reputation considerably and make a stronger argument for your own eventual rule.

[] Train
While training with your dragon has helped to keep up your strength, it has been some time since you had proper time in the yard, and your recent experience has shown you that while you have talent and skill for fighting, you are still a long ways from becoming a knight.

[] Train with Syrax
While you have both adjusted to Syrax's new size, more training could only help the both of you.

[] Sneak out and Explore the City
When your father and uncle were your age, they regularly went out of the King's Landing at night for all kinds of things. Naturally such things were forbidden to you as they were "unbefitting a princess" but as heir to the throne, shouldn't you have a chance to let loose and explore the city you'll one day rule? And if nothing else it will be great practice if you ever need to sneak for more adventurous pursuits.

[] Try and gather info on Daemon's Activities
The Small Council seems content to just let Daemon brood for the time being, but Dragonstone is your castle, you would like to know what he's doing with it. Perhaps some of the fishermen and merchants at the docks might have a hint of what your uncle is up to.

[] Push for Action in the Stepstones
Piracy in the Stepstones might be the perfect chance for you to begin to prove yourself as a warrior. If you could just get your father to agree to send you and the other Dragon Riders against the pirates, the court would soon be filled with tales of your heroic deeds, and of the many ships you reduced to ash. But that was a very big if. Your father has little interest in the affairs of the Stepstones and would likely have even less at the idea of sending you into combat. At the very least you would need some support for the notion to be taken seriously by the Small Council.

[] Scout out Tourneys
There are few better ways to test one's skill in combat than a tourney. While you are quite aware that no tourney, however small, would allow you to openly compete, there was always the option of entering as a mystery knight. Your own grandfather was knighted after he entered a tourney as a mystery knight. While it was unlikely there would be a tourney as big as the one King's Landing had the day your mother died for quite some time, there was always some lord getting married or some heir having an important nameday. If you could find one close enough you might be able to sneak off and enter as a mystery knight. Of course, entering one and winning are two different things, and a quick defeat may hamper your efforts to become a knight.

[] Write-in
Subject to QM approval

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QM's Note: I will probably let voting on this one go for a few days so don't feel rushed this turn.