The Heir of the Dragon: A Rhaenyra Targaryen Quest

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The arrow flew through the air gracefully, arcing between the trees exactly as you predicted. Sailing towards your target just as you've practiced a thousand times before, the arrow hit it's mark dead on, the deer collapsing right after.

"Excellent shot and a clean kill. I'm impressed," Rhea Royce complimented. "Finally have one of your own," she added in a playful barb.

"I told you I know how to use a bow," you said, a touch defensive. "I'm just not used to flying targets."

The two of you had been hunting pheasant earlier. Rhea had a small bundle of birds tied to her horse to mark her success, but you had nothing to show yet. Thankfully the two of you had spotted a small herd of deer not long after.

"The issue wasn't that they were flying," Rhea replied. "I think it's more you're trained to be an archer. Shoot at stationary targets or people moving towards you. Birds rarely try to kill you. They are just trying to survive."

"A fair point," you conceded as you moved towards your kill, lifting the small deer over your shoulder with surprisingly minimal effort.

"Are you sure you're not part giant instead of part dragon?" Rhea questioned as she stared in open admiration of your efforts.

You chuckled at the comment as you brought the deer back.

The two of you had agreed to a hunt after you returned from the Eyrie, though it was just a small affair. Only you, Rhea, and a few of her cousins attended. And then said cousins chased after their own quarry earlier in the day, leaving you and Rhea alone for much of the afternoon.

"I must say, I am quite enjoying spending time with you," Rhea remarked. "It's good to go out for a hunt with someone who's not desperately trying to outdo me or pointedly not trying to upstage me."

"It is my first true hunt, how could I expect to outdo you?" You shrugged.

Of course, you had been on royal hunts before. They were grand affairs that saw nobles from across the Seven Kingdoms and most of the Red Keep move into the Kingswood. Every time, they set up so many tents that it became a new royal court for the duration. There would be feasting and hunting for days. Chasing boars with giant spears while others hunted the woods many deer with bow and arrow. Meanwhile, you were forced to stay and gossip with the many noble ladies left behind by husbands and fathers. Your mother had taken you hawking a few times when she could. You rather enjoyed those moments, though they had been few and far between.

"It amazes me that the royal court could look at a woman as strong as you and think that you're only good for hawking," Rhea shook her head.

"The royal court considered such activities unseemly for a woman, as they are often wont to do," you remarked. "Next I should force them to let me grab a boar spear of my own."

"Be sure to let me know the next time there's a royal hunt then," Rhea remarked. "I would quite enjoy the sight. Might even grab a spear myself."

You couldn't deny you enjoyed this little hunt. It was a rather unique experience to spend time with a woman who to some extent understood your situation and held similar interests. Rhea wasn't a warrior and it was clear she had little interest in fighting beyond what was expected of her as heir to Runestone, yet she was a woman who enjoyed wearing armor, getting drunk in taverns and getting into fights with boys who made themselves bothersome. There were many similarities between the two of you.

Maybe that's why Daemon soured on you so suddenly after you took up the blade.

"This been quite fun," you remarked as you slung your kill over your borrowed horse. You couldn't bring it back with you, but Syrax would enjoy the treat. "We should do this again when we have the chance."

"You should definitely try to come back here in a few months once you're an adult. We could have a lot more fun then," Rhea said with a distinctly mischievous grin.

You raised an eyebrow.

"Ahh, just having a bit of fun, don't worry," Rhea waved it off before you could say anything.

Rhea had made more than a couple of remarks like that throughout the hunt. Enough to that you were almost certain it was more than just a joke, but anytime you tried to talk about it she brushed you off. Whatever interest she had, she was clearly intent on waiting.

The two of you hunted for a little while longer, chasing after the rest of the deer you had spotted. Rhea was sadly unable to get her own kill before you lost track of the herd. Between her birds and your deer, the two of you agreed that you had come away basically even. A successful hunt all around.

Your kill impressed the Royces, though few gave voice to any compliments. At least Syrax appreciated the treat and you departed with promises to have another hunt sometime in the future.

While not quite friends with Rhea, you could easily see things turning into that, or something more considering Rhea's less than subtle hints during the hunt.

Either way, you quite enjoyed the hunt. Hopefully you'd be able to find time to have another one in due time.

Relationship with Rhea Royce Improved

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There was no hero's welcome for you when you returned to King's Landing. A few of the Small Council were even dismissive of your efforts, saying things in the Vale were clearly already resolving before your arrival. The Hand kept quiet on the issue though you noticed Otto seemed to be giving you more attention at Small Council meetings now. Thankfully, your father was full of praise, giving you credit for showing a careful hand and resolving things without even having to confront any of the rebellious lords.

Lady Jeyne Arryn sent letters to court praising you, while also making clear she had things well in hand, trying to strike a careful balance between gratitude and avoiding looking like she was depending overly much on the Iron Throne's support.

Few praised you more though than your lady, Alicent, who privately told you how proud she was of you.

On the surface, things had not changed much yet between you and Alicent. In fact, you noticed she attended your training less often now, but that was just on the surface. When you were together you couldn't help but notice how much more she smiled, and many at court remarked on how much happier you seemed. There was an extra bit of energy in your step.

When you and Alicent studied together, privately or in the Godswood away from everyone, you often felt a hand brush against or even rest on yours. When she helped to do your hair or prepare you in the morning, she would occasionally wrap her arms around you, resting her head on your shoulders for a brief moment.

There were numerous small but meaningful moments of affection that you came to treasure deeply. You often found yourself struggling to sleep some nights, your mind occupied with figuring out ways of making sure Alicent understood you returned her affections. That her knight cherished her lady as much as she cherished you.

There hadn't been anymore kisses, even on the cheek or hand. It seemed you would have to work more and give Alicent some time to become comfortable to do such a thing.

Your sworn shield noticed the change quickly. It would have been hard to completely hide it from him, but he said nothing beyond a brief look of amusement after he spotted you holding hands once. In truth, he barely seemed to care at all. No one else seemed to pick up on the changes in your relationship, or if they did, they kept their silence.

As the days went on, little news came in from the Stepstones. Daemon wasn't winning as fast as he had been in the first months, but he hardly seemed to be losing. The Crabfeeder was adapting to fighting a dragon, but could not manage to figure out a way to actually win against one it seemed. Simply surviving and keeping up the fight was a small victory in of itself though.

Closer to home, a great deal happened all at once. First, a white raven had arrived from the Citadel, bringing news some had been expecting for months. Summer was over.

It is now Autumn

Autumn and spring were strange seasons. Always shorter than summer or winter, but they could last for years still, keeping the realm caught in a twilight situation for several harvests. Which, from what the Small Council said, caused a fair amount of stress to the smallfolk. Never quite certain if this harvest could be their last for a while, if they needed to switch to winter crops or if they could hold out for one more.

Mellos predicted this Autumn could be one of the longer ones in recent memory, but he also admitted that predicting the length of seasons was notoriously difficult.

A second bit of news hit the very day the white raven arrived, this one would proving far more important. Queen Johanna Westerling was pregnant.

The Small Council reacted quite strongly to this news, all quick to congratulate your father of course. Johanna's father was himself overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a grandfather. Even your father seemed to gain a bit of energy from the news, telling you how happy he was that you would finally have a sibling.

As for yourself, you couldn't bring yourself to find joy at this bit of news. You smiled. You congraulated your dad and agreed with him. You said what everyone expected you to say. But deep inside, you felt a pit growing in your stomach.

You couldn't think of that...that thing growing inside of Johanna as future brother or sister. The only sibling you would ever have that you could remember was Baelon, and that poor baby was long gone. All you could think of when you thought of Johanna having kids was how each of them would prove a threat to your own claim. They weren't siblings. They were rivals to be.

You knew your father had made it so that you would come before any children Johanna had, but would the Westerlings and Lannisters see that once a son was born? And even if she had a daughter, you had little doubt Johanna's family would much prefer the ruling Queen to be one of theirs instead of you.

When you looked at the Queen now all you could see was that in a few months time, Daemon wouldn't be the only threat to your position anymore.

Perhaps that would change. Perhaps when Johanna had the child something would change in you, and you could actually could bear to think of this baby as your brother or sister. Perhaps, or perhaps not. Either way, you knew that in a few months, there would be another child with the Targaryen name in the world. A lot could change before autumn gave way to winter.

Some weeks after the news hit, the city became filled with nightly celebrations and festivals. You weren't sure for what reason, or if there was a reason at all. It seemed like there always at least parts of the city that were celebrating something or having some rowdy nights. Regardless, as you watched from your room, you couldn't deny that the city was more alive then unusual right now.

First Season, 114 AC

Free Action: Free Action allows to make one additional Conversation or Action per turn (So 3 Conversations and 2 Actions or 2 Conversations and 3 Actions). However, using it on an Action creates Stress from Rhaenyra being overworked and reduces the effectiveness of Relaxing.

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)

[] [Conversation] Speak with Viserys
Your father has lost a finger and his new wife now has a child on the way. There is definitely a lot you and the King could talk about.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Alicent Hightower
While your relationship with your lady is new and fresh, it couldn't hurt to talk her and see how she feels about the changes in your personal relationship and how she feels now that you've gone from repressing her feelings to begin to express them more openly. Plus, some quality time with her would be nice.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Otto Hightower
You weren't going to tell Otto about your relationship with his daughter, you weren't stupid. But with Johanna now expecting perhaps the two of you could touch base, see how he feels about this development and if you could perhaps work to secure his support.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Gwayne Hightower
If Gwayne doesn't already know about your relationship with Alicent already, he probably will learn soon enough. Perhaps you should tell him yourself, he clearly wanted to protect his sister, he might be willing to help hide your relationship from Otto and others if need be.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Commander Harrold Westerling
The Lord Commander must have some thoughts about his kin marrying your family. Perhaps he has some insight on your step-mother as well.

[] [Conversation] Speak With Queen Johanna Westerling
The Queen was pregnant. No matter what, that was going to change a lot in your home. Perhaps the two of you could clear the air before the child is born and figure out what upset her about the dance at the wedding. Things will be less of a challenge when her child is born.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Ser Raylon Tarly
While Raylon's been overjoyed with your progress and your clear skill, he insists there's always room for improvement. Perhaps if you talked some more you could come up with ways to further improve

[] [Conversation] 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 could provide much needed insight in your efforts to earn a seat on the Small Council.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Lord Lyman Beesbury
The Master of Coin. Beesbury is loyal, perhaps not as sharp as Lord Strong, but he is quiet loyal to your father. Perhaps he could be of some help in your quest to gain a seat on the Small Council.

[] [Conversation] Speak with Grand Maester Mellos
While your father assured you that he would make a full recovery in time, the loss of his finger suggests that's very much not the case. Perhaps the Grand Maester could help you better understand the situation and lay your worries to rest.

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

Actions (Pick Two)

[] [Action] Relax
While your new relationship has undone much of your stress, news of Johanna Westerling's Child could threaten to undo that. 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.

[] [Action] 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.

[] [Action] Study Valyrian History with your Father.
The little you've learned already has proven of great value to your training with Syrax, and has brought a bit of joy into your father's life. Who knows what further research may uncover.

[] [Action] Train
Ser Raylon Tarly doesn't want to let up on the training, even while acknowledging it will take some effort for you to improve more than you already have in recent months.
-[] Challenge to a Duel: Raylon has suggested dueling others as a way of sharpening yourself against new blades. Have others find flaws in you that he has missed (Pick One)
--[] [Duel] Ser Steffon Darklyn
--[] [Duel] Gwayne Hightower

[] [Action] Train with Syrax
The Dragonkeepers are reporting that Syrax has grown a bit larger as of late, perhaps more training is needed to help adjust to another increase in size.

[] [Action] 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? Particularly now as the city seem to be in such a festive mood, who knows what could happen on a night like tonight.

[] [Action] Push to become involved in the Stepstones
While a Dragon and the largest fleet in Westeros should be enough to secure victory in the Stepstones, having another Dragonrider would speed things along. This could be a rare opportunity to earn real glory for yourself and prove you capabilites as warrior. You could also use the chance to check up on your uncle and the Sea Snake, ensure this war of theirs isn't a cover for something far more sinister.

[] [Action] Prepare for a Royal Progress
Your father has given you approval for a Royal progress around part of or perhaps all of the Seven Kingdoms. Since this was your request has left planning up to you and there is a great deal to prepare. From how long the Progress should be and where you should visit, to how many people you should bring, to what the general focus of the progress should even be. Will this be your introduction to the Seven Kingdoms at large now that you are soon to be an adult in the eyes of the law, or is there something else you seek from this venture? Regardless there is much to do before you leave. Luckily the Maesters assure you that if you leave soon, even a longer Progress would likely be done before Winter arrives.

[] [Action] Request a Role in the City Watch
You know you are years away from your father even entertaining the idea of you leading the City Watch, but Daemon's recent actions have shown the who order to have dangerous flaws. Perhaps you could request some sort of role in it's rebuilding, overseeing the training or something like that as a way to ensure the next Goldcloaks are loyal. The role would probably be small and it wouldn't get you a seat on the Small Council but it could be a good first step on the way towards one.

[] [Action] 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.

[] [Action] Study
There is always room to improve your education.

[] [Action] Learn to Compose Poetry
Your fair lady wants you to compose beautiful poetry and for you to read it to her. You don't know how to write Poetry, though. At all. You should work on correcting that fault. A woman like Alicent deserves beatiful poetry after all.

[] [Action] Study Music
You want to seranade Alicent with music. It's what a proper knight would do after all and she deserves as much. Plus, it just sounds wonderfully romantic. Alicent has been vague about what kind of music she would prefer, saying anything from a Harp to your singing would all be equally wonderful. Regardless, you lack much in the way of training in any sort of music, that had to change.

[] (Action) Write-in
Subject to QM approval

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QMs Notes: The show is pretty clear that Rhaenyra never considered any of Alicent's children to be her siblings, save for Helaena, who she clearly has some affection for and outright considers an innocent in the Dance. This an attitude you can change with any and all of Johanna's possible children but it is something that requires work and won't be simple.

Sorry this one took a while, busy week.