The Old King's Court Part 2: The Grey Ghost
"That was Amazing, I've never felt so free! I can't wait to go flying, it's so much fun."
Be with Grey Ghost: Grey Ghost is uncomfortable being around so many people, and he clearly does not wish to have so many people that will attend to him. You need to explain to him… if you can, that is necessary.
You took less than a moment to answer the Prince, before making a sign to your mother. Then she saw what you said. "That was Amazing, I've never felt so free! I can't wait to go flying, it's so much fun."
Baelon seemed surprised at the excitement that he saw from you. Despite the silence, he seemed to understand what you were saying, even before your mother translated for you and clarified to him what had occurred. In fact, after your mother clarified, he seemed to be… taken aback by your eagerness and energy. "I hope that you temper your eagerness with wisdom and knowledge. Dragons are dangerous beasts and the bond they share with you will last a lifetime." He paused. "Do not consider this a start of fun and happiness. Consider this a start… the first step into a wider world."
At that he looked away, looking back before you walked over to the Dragonkepers and Grey Ghost. The silent dragon was standing proud and was not happy. You could feel the displeasure it had at the many people with sticks surrounding him, trying to force him into a cage. He did not like the dark and the darkness of what it was.
You didn't understand, at least fully, but he did not like caves. He preferred being out in the open sky, at the ocean and the sky. Free from the darkness and the cold.
You locked eyes and realized he was afraid. Grey Ghost, one of the most powerful beasts in the world, was afraid of the dark. Just like you.
You ran over, past the Dragon keepers and grabbed a touch, unlit and ready to be started, and held it in front of the dragon's snout.
The Ghost understood, and with a puff of smoke, a single small stream of flame, barely hotter than a cooking stove, or an open flame, lit the torch, not even burning you as the torch lit up.
He looked at it, mesmerized by the light, like a moth being drawn to a flame… or rather, a dragon attracted to the light.
The Dragon keepers were amazed at the display of bravery, and as Grey Ghost entered the enclosure for him, you set the torch as a light. You then signed to your mother. "Keep that torch lit. He is scared of the dark."
When your mother relayed it, all the Keepers seemed confused. "<A Dragon scared of the Dark?>" One asked, clearly surprised, almost laughing at the proclamation.
But the elder nodded before he hit the boy with his stick. "<Do it.>" He said. "<Dragons are intelligent beasts. Do as the boy says.>"
The Grey Ghost was happy as you looked away, and it set itself down into the big enclosure, keeping one eye closed while watching the torch burn away.
As you walked back out towards Baelon and Mother, both of who were flabbergasted at what you had just done. "You… knew?"
"Of course." You signed, causing your mother to shake her head. "And tell them that he likes fish, and if possible, smoked fish."
That caused an eyebrow to raise. "And he would also like it served with lemon and fruit?" Baelon jokes, truly amazed at what he just saw. Trying to rationalize just how brave you truly were, not even hesitating to make your dragon comfortable.
You shook your head. "No, don't be ridiculous. You of all people should know dragons eat meat." your mother laughed as he translated
At that, you took your mother's hand and looked towards the Red Keep. You were jittery and excited for what was to come. And you could not wait.
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The Iron Throne was truly a monstrosity. You could see the thousand blades of Aegon's enemies that were there. Misshapen blades and still sharp points that you could see, even on the ground, even looking from behind dozens or… hundreds of people now that you think about it.
It was a monstrosity that made you hold your mother's hand. It frightened you, in a way that you could not describe. Not even facing down a dragon could strike so much fear into you.
But unfortunately, you had to wait. The King may have called court, but he was also preoccupied with a council meeting, and many of the people waiting at the throne room were not really looking for you. After all, they were looking for the Dragonrider that had been making waves across the nation it seems, from rumor and hearsay.
Almost all of them believed it was a boy, nearly a man grown, with locks like a Targaryens, with blood red eyes. They say you were burned by the Dragon and were disfigured, looking less like a man and more like a skeleton.
Your favorite that you heard was that it was just a sick joke by the Targaryen Monarchy, to try and get would-be dragon riders to try and take the wild dragons with little effort on their part and that somehow, someone succeeded, and they were trying desperately to get something ready.
It would have been hilarious if the truth wasn't so mundane. For you at least.
Mother however was preparing herself, and you. "Lucien, remember, kneel, wait for his instructions, and then rise. Make eye contact with him, but then look at his chin."
You were still trying to focus, but there was something that you could not understand. Why the chin, was it because you needed to look closer at his beard? Was it because he hated eye contact? Was the court always that strange?
Your questions would soon be answered as the Old King walked into the room, his walking cane tapping against the stone, as he looked out into the crowd. The Kingsguard was standing before him, and everyone was watching the old king.
Finally, he took a breath and spoke. And you felt the wisdom of his voice. "I have called the young man, who had tamed a Dragon in Dragonstone. Step forward, so that I may see you."
At that, everyone at the court seemed to shuffle their feet and look around. Instead, you looked to your mother, and she nodded.
You were ready, and so was she. A moment passed, a heartbeat or two, and then there was a jolt. Mother squeezed your hand, in reassurance. You squeezed back, and she led you towards the Throne.
There was a gasp from one of the women of the court, and a mulling of confusion overtaking the less informed members of the court. Some even whispered Bastard, but they were silenced after a moment. Everyone was surprised it was a boy and a woman.
You stood before the throne and looked at the Throne and the old King. You did as your mother said, you kneeled, and your mother did the same movement. At the final moment, you thought you saw the king raise an eyebrow, in recognition, or something else?
"Your Grace, I am Visanya of Dragonstone, and this is the one you seek. My son Lucien."
The mulling and muttering then became rapturous and loud. Shouting and screaming and protests seemed to erupt from everywhere around you. Yet you remained kneeling, and the world was just you and the floor.
"Bastard, that is what he is!" One shouted.
"A boy doing the work of a man? Don't make me laugh."
"He is no rider, he's a liar!"
Then the king moved, his shadow seeming taller than any man there. The Kingsgaurd also stepped forward. "SILENCE!"
There was murmuring… but then silently, the halls were silent. Everyone was now watching.
You remained to kneel. But he did not move for a long time. He did not speak. He just watched and waited.
Then he spoke again. "Rise, both of you." He was now before you both, his cane holding him up as he had a small smirk on his face. It was hidden by his beard, but he did not have any malice.
You rose, and then your mother.
Then he finally spoke to you. "Speak child, I want to hear you?"
Your mother squeezes your hand, but you refuse to speak. You did not want to… you didn't… you couldn't. Words were caught in your throat… and you were afraid.
"My son does not speak, he has not since he tamed the Dragon. Fear has robbed his voice." Your mother spoke, defending you.
Then the old king did something unexpected. He signed. "True or false?"
You nodded and signed. "True."
The Old King then nodded. "Silent he may be, but you are a rider of a Dragon. Tell me, will you serve your king, and fight alongside him, as one of his own?"
You nodded. "Yes." You signed.
"Good." He stated. "Let it be known by all here in attendance! Lucien the Silent, a Dragonrider, is under protection. My protection, any that seek to do him harm will be treated as an attack on my family and the King himself!"
It was a bold proclamation. And you knew it could not have filled you with more confidence.
The Court Reaction:
D100 => 88-20 (You are Mute)=68
The Old King's Reaction:
D100 => 72+5 (What Do I see?)=77
And the Court, at least publicly agreed.
And the old King seemed to agree.
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It was pandemonium after that, as the court descended down upon you like vultures, trying to get you to speak. But at least, in the end, you were brought towards the council chambers.
And the king was waiting for you. "Finally, we speak in peace." He said as your mother and you sat down in one of the chairs offered. "I apologize for the theatrics, but it was necessary to make sure you were under my protection."
You raised an eyebrow, but your mother spoke. "We did not think that the show of theatrics was needed. But why?"
"Dragonriders not of my family are something that must be now feared, as your son has shown." He stated, seemingly confused for a moment, before he shook his head. "But my son Baelon has told me that he will need training if nothing else, except to keep him from being eaten by his own dragon."
"My son is-" Your mother tried to say something, but then the King shook his head.
"Visanya, there are many things that may be wrong with this request." The king stated. "But this is for his safety, and that is something you must see. Your son is now a powerful political tool, with many people wishing to use him for their own purposes. I included myself in such a discussion." He was honest.
"Yet you think that will mean anything? I cannot allow you to just steal my son."
"This is not stealing your son. Let me ask you a simple question." The Old king asked. "How do you plan to protect him from making a poor decision?"
"I will help him, teach him to make such a choice, and give him the wisdom to make the right choice."
"Let me rephrase that question then." The Old King asked. "What if he does not have the answers, even with your help?"
That made your mother pause before she was silent again.
The Old king nodded. "We have to make choices we don't like. Especially with those we love and care about." He seemed sad, thinking about the mistakes of the past.
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He had a List of Choices for whom you would stay with.
Who wishes to take you as their ward?:
[]Prince Viserys: The Heir of Prince Baelon and a very… interesting man. He seems weak-willed at first, always liking to have fun and have a good time with his family. But he has depth. Hopefully, he believed having another dragonrider would show him. There is also a problem that he is rather hands-off in his dragon lore and training, as he no longer rides Balerion the Black Dread as the old dragon is slowly dying. And he does not really adventure, as he is trying and struggling for a male heir. He is also not a warrior of great renown, preferring the socialization aspect, to the fighting. But one thing is certain. He is utterly dedicated to his charges.
[]Prince Daemon: The Rogue Prince, the exact opposite of his brother, callus, intelligent, and daring. He is a brilliant warrior, a Dragonriders of great power, with a powerful dragon by his side in the Blood Wyrm. There is just one problem. He does not like being told what to do, and he is expected to return to his wife, Rhea, the Bronze of Gulltown. However, he might jump at an opportunity to leave the Vale. If you catch his interest and attention.
[]Lord Corlys the Sea Snake: The Sea Snake is an oft-forgotten, but no less important member of the family… well in terms of events. He had been the Admiral to your father in his last adventures and made your father very rich. Though he does not like your father due to events that you do not know about, he is willing and able to bring you back into the fold.
[]Lord Otto Hightower: The Dark Horse, the Hand of the king. Brilliantly minded, a competent warrior, and surrounded by dragon lore and knowledge, despite never riding a dragon before. He came at the request himself, and while he may not have the best grasp on dragon lore, you will never lack for your other education requirements.
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Meta Vote: What is your Religion:
[]The Faith of the Seven: The Primary faith of Westeros, and the one that you follow.
[]The Gods of Valyria: Your mother was a follower of the three goddesses of Valyria, and while not as present as others during the last few decades of Rule, the stormsingers still sing of the songs of Valyria.
[]The Old Gods: You believe in the Faceless, shapeless and unknowable gods of the North.
[]Rhallor: Your father was once blessed by a red Priestess, and he has followed the Lord of Light ever since. You do to.
AN: Enjoy.