#arch ii

[thelittleprincesstargaryen]

Visiting the Royal Stables

The Royal Stables, The Red Keep, King’s Landing, 11th day of the 11th moon 129AC

Visenya loved to visit the Royal Stables, even if she did not have a horse of her own. Yet. She had asked for one for her last three name days, and she had been certain her tenth name day would be the day she got a horse of her own. But the day had passed without a horse. Visenya had tried not to be too disappointed, which hadn’t been hard as it had been her tenth name day being sick. She really hoped her one-and-tenth name day would be different, both in terms of her health and in terms of becoming a rider. Maybe her one-and-tenth year would also be the year she would become a dragon rider, Morning was growing fast.  

Her older brothers all had horses and other pets. Visenya had not truly been interested in other pets until she read about songbirds and how they would mimic music played to them. Visenya longed for someone to enjoy her music as much as she did and maybe even inspire her to new music. She had voiced that wish to her parents, along with the wish for a horse. Or a unicorn.

“Viserys?” She called out, having been told her brother was supposed to be down in the stables. She was careful not to startle the horses. Visenya carefully greeted each animal as she walked past them. She paused at the old mare she knew belonged to her uncle-grandsire, a good old lady she had ridden many times in practise. Uncle-grandsire rarely rode, and he had been happy to let Visenya practise. “Rytsas, Embar,” she said tenderly in High Valyrian. Why her uncle-grandsire had a horse names Ocean seemed off, except for the fact that her uncle-grandsire was Corlys Velaryon. “I’ll come back later,” she promised the old mare and ventured further into the stables, heading towards her brothers’ horses. “Vis?”

A starter for @princeviserystargaryen00

[rideroftheredqueen]

Mending Family Ties

Encountering Floris in the library had made Rhaenys realise that her Baratheon cousins were all at The Red Keep. It had been embarrassing not being able to recognize Floris, but it had been years since she had seen her cousin, formative years for the young woman.

Recognizing Maris was somehow easier. The clever storm, wasn’t that how her own mother referred to Maris? It had not been easy to realise just how close her own mother was with her younger cousins when their own relationship was still strained.

“Maris?” Rhaenys called out as she spotted her cousin near the dining hall. “Sorry,” she added as she finally caught up to Maris, now slightly out of breath and rubbing her side. These last few days she had begun to get stitches at the slightest of movement. Calm little hippocamp, please. Muña will remember to move slower, promise.

“I heard Floris and Lady Jocelyn arrived. And that you arrived with Princess Rhaenya. It took me an embarrassing amount of time, to realise that I would have a chance to catch up with all my Baratheon cousins during this royal wedding.” She said with an easy smile. “Though, Floris didn’t seem too pleased to run into me,” she added with a slight shrug of her shoulders.

“Mother – Lady Jocelyn – tells me you’re quite studious? Which languages are you capable of reading? If you don’t mind my curiosity?” Rhaenys asked, she had always loved languages, especially High Valyrian and had been fortunate enough to find a husband who shared her love of languages, though he had never quite mastered High Valyrian. “And I was wondering whether you might share Princess Rhaenya’s fondness of lemon cakes?”

A starter for @thecleverestorm

[lordhusband]

Late for The Queen's Name Day

The Red Keep, King’s Landing, 4th day of the 11th moon 129AC

Corlys had planned and prepared for the journey between Driftmark and King’s Landing. It was by no means an unfamiliar journey for him, nor for The Sea Snake. However, it was not often his princess-wife accompanied him onboard his ships. Rhaenys had never been strong at sea, but this pregnancy seemed to have taken it all from her. Corlys had estimated the journey to take a day, but he had to change course more than once, to reach calmer waters, to ease the journey for his wife. This meant they arrived in the late afternoon two and a half day later than they had expected.

They had missed Rhaenyra’s nameday and by the time they had settled, Rhaenys was exhausted. Corlys tucked her into the bed and kissed her forehead as he rested his hand on her swollen belly. “Better?”

“Better,” she said with a soft smile. “And you should go and see Rhaenyra. And apologize for our tardiness. And give her our present.”

“It can wait till morning, so you can join me,” Corlys said tenderly, pressing his thumb against the spot, where he felt their little hippocamp press back against him. “The journey was harder on you than I expected.”

“I’m fine Corlys. I need rest. Go. Please?”

“Only because you’re begging me.”

“I do not beg, Corlys Velaryon. But I will have you begging for mercy, if you do not comply to my wishes.”

Corlys chuckled and leaned down kissing his wife’s lips before he stood once more. “As my princess wishes.”

“Better.”

Corlys grabbed the parcel Rhaenys had wrapped for Rhaenyra. As he made his way to the Royal family’s more private quarters, he greeted the people he passed, Rhaenys had taught him that knowing the people around him, aided when times were tough. They had felt the community gather around them when they had lost Laena and Laenor. That had been Rhaenys’ credit. Her visits to the markets, the villages, making friends regardless of station.

“Where would I find the Queen at this hour?” He asked one of the Queen’s Guards. He was directed to a sitting room and knocked the door before entering. “Rhaenyra? Tala?” He asked and stepped inside, letting the door close behind him. “I come in lieu of your muña, who had taken to bed again. And we are well aware that we are late. However, I do come bearing a gift.” Corlys held out the parcel in a mock peace offering, with a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

He knew Rhaenyra would like the parcel, or at least she better. Rhaenys had spent days searching for it, fearing it had been lost in time. A set of three bangles, once gifted to Daella, passed on to Aemma only to have seemingly been lost. Rhaenys however had found it in the crates she had received upon the death of her muñazma. Corlys had taken them to be polished and engraved. One with Rhaenyra’s name, one with Aemma’s and one with Daella’s. Around the bangles Corlys knew Rhaenys had wrapped a silk shawl Laena had once worn.

Corlys had teased his wife about the nostalgic present, however he had stopped with one stern look from her. “Rhaenyra needs to know she’s family. The country sees her The Queen. She needs to be allowed to simply be Rhaenyra.” Corlys had agreed, though he stilled wished Rhaenys would have joined him, as she would be much better at explaining the significance of the gifts.

A starter for @black-queen-rising

[admiralgiggles]

“Rem” was projected onto “Arch II” by Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas.

Here’s a little video from last year as this years was filled with rude camera crossers and expletives. 😝

[rideroftheredqueen]

A visit to Dragonstone

Dragonstone, 25th day of the 10th moon 129AC

Rhaenys had been delighted to receive a raven from Aegon and Helaena Targaryen on Dragonstone. The last time she had spoken to Aegon had been in the dragon pit and she had mentioned knowing a few secret passageways at Dragonstone, which she had discovered in her childhood. She had not been willing to give up all her secrets, but he had allured to her getting an invitation to visit.

By chance the invitation coincided with Corlys being called back to the Capital, less than a week before they had plans to relocate to the Capitel until the wedding of their grandchildren had concluded. Rhaenys wanted to be as included as possible, but her pregnancy meant travelling was uncomfortable and took its toll on her.

The Daenaera was not build for comfort, but for the short distance between Driftmark and Dragonstone it would do. Rhaenys disembarked, aided by Corlys. They said their farewells on the docks, as he was needed at court. Rhaenys did not wait to see him disappear into the horizon as she might have at other times. He would be back in a few days, so they could finish their preparations for leaving Driftmark for almost two full moon cycles.

Rhaenys followed the familiar path up to Dragonstone and easily found shelter from the spray of the water. It still amazed her how different the two neighbouring islands were. She had her maid send word to Aegon and Helaena that she had arrived but would need a bit of rest. Servants of Dragonstone had been expecting her and her maid and led them up to a prepared guest room.

In the hours between luncheon and dinner, Rhaenys made her way to the sitting room, the servants had said Helaena preferred. Upon entering Rhaenys couldn’t help but to be curious, as she saw the needlepoint projects. She knew Helaena was talented and had seen her work on several occasions. “Hello?” She called out softly.

A starter for @helaenasdreamfyres

[rideroftheredqueen]

Visiting Dorne

High Tide, Driftmark, 8th day of the 3rd moon, 130AC

“Dorne, really?” Corlys’ voice came around the corner.

Rhaenys stopped in her tracks and turned towards her husband. “Yes, Dorne. I am visiting Mahira. This has been planned for weeks, Corlys, I did not surprise you with this knowledge.” She said and patted Nyssie’s backside gently, having her strapped to her front, ready to take off to see her friend.

“I know. But I… You’re taking Nyssie away from Driftmark.”

“Nyssie and I have left Driftmark several times Corlys.”

“Not without me.”

“Ah…” Rhaenys smiled softly and leaned up kissing Corlys’ cheek. “There it is. I would offer to invite you, but you and Mahira don’t get along and you have never been a fan of flying on Meleys.”

“It’s not that we don’t get away, it’s her trying to…”

“… Corlys, we’ve been married for forty years, if Mahira stood a chance to take me away from you, don’t you think it would have happened by now?” Rhaenys grinned and gave herself into Corlys’ kiss, enjoying his possessiveness and his hands all over her.

Dorne, 8th day of the 3rd moon, 130AC

An hour later Meleys landed effortlessly in Dorne. Rhaenys reached back and untied herself and her belongings, before she climbed down. “Well done, Nyssie,” she praised her daughter and kissed her dark curls tenderly. “Kirimvose Meleys,” she added and patted the dragon’s neck lovingly.

“Look Nyssie, this is Dorne. The southern most kingdom in Westoros. You’ll like it here. I like it here. Now, let’s see where Mahira is, people usually notice when Meleys arrive.” Rhaenys looked around, they had landed a save distance from buildings and markets, Meleys had always been considerate like that, unless Rhaenys prompted her to act differently. “Will you be all right here a few days, old friend? I’ll ask Mahira for some boar or sheep for you.”

A starter for @mahiraofdorne

[rideroftheredqueen]

Preparations for the Royal Wedding

The most recent grand royal wedding between a Targaryen and a Velaryon had been a complete disaster. A murder during the opening feast and vows made in haste as the servants cleaned the blood of the floors. It had not been the wedding Rhaenys had pictured nor planned for her son and heir.

Laena’s wedding had not been grand either. Her marriage to Daemon Targaryen had not been one Rhaenys nor Corlys truly agreed with. However, it was a better match than her previous and Daemon proved himself to be a good husband to their daughter.

When the betrothal of Jacaerys Velaryon and Baela Targaryen had been announced, Rhaenys wasn’t ready to feel excited about an upcoming wedding. Corlys was still missing, some presumed him dead, her grandsons’ parentage had been called into question once more, this time by her brother-in-law, who had lost more than his tongue for his spiteful accusations. Rhaenys knew what people thought. Rhaenys knew that there might be a possibility that the boys weren’t Laenor’s. But Laenor had claimed them as his sons and Viserys had claimed them as his grandsons. And as they aged, Rhaenys saw more and more of her own Baratheon heritage in the boys.

As the years passed and mourning and worry, turned to fond memories and acceptance, Rhaenys began to look forward to being a part of another royal wedding. When Rhaenyra had fought for her sister’s wedding to happen only once her sister was of age, Rhaenys was pleased to learn that the same would apply to her grandchildren. She was after all the grandmother of both the bride and the groom. While that wasn’t uncommon in the Targaryen family, where brothers had married sisters for generations, this was slightly more different as the bride and groom were first cousins and now stepsiblings. Rhaenys was glad she didn’t have to explain the family dynamics, it was complicated but filled with love.

Rhaenys had driven Corlys and almost Rhaena to the edge of insanity with her requests as they prepared for an extended stay at The Red Keep. Due to her condition Rhaenys could not fetch the crates and chests from far of rooms, as she looked through both Velaryon and Targaryen family heirlooms. She wanted to find something special for both bride and groom. And they needed to have the wedding cloak aired out and looked through for loose seams and missing beads.

Upon arrival at The Red Keep, Rhaenys made use of the bedroom that ought to Corlys’, but they had always shared her bedchamber. The room had been used intermittently as a study, as a makeshift nursery when Laena and Laenor were small, and again when they were older and refused to share rooms. Now Rhaenys had made sure it was set up as a second more intimate sitting room, where she and Baela could discuss wedding plans without interruptions.

Rhaenys was excited for Baela to see the various items she had brought with her from Driftmark, but she was especially exited to show her the headdress Corlys had commissioned for Laena’s wedding feasts, which Laena had said should go to the daughter who married first. Laena had thought ahead, even before the twins were born. Back at Driftmark in another case waited another headdress for Rhaena for her wedding feasts. Rhaenys knew Daemon might gift Baela with other headdresses and did not expect Baela to wear this specific one in the Sept of Baelor, but hoped she would use it for one of the feasts in the weeklong wedding celebrations.

“Will someone see if Lady Baela is on her way, kostilus?” She asked of the maids as she rose and walked up to the Velaryon and Targaeryn wedding cloak. She had worn it, Rhaenyra had worn it, Laena had worn it. Now it was time for Baela to wear it. Rhaenys had bought it to Dragonstone with her and had asked Helaena to mend any rips and missing bits. It looked immaculate now and as she waited, Rhaenys reached out, stroking the embroidered hippocamp fondly.

A starter for: @moondancer-rp

[lordhusband]

Fishing on the Beach

The Beach, King’s Landing, 9th day of the 11th moon 129AC

Corlys was born and raised on Driftmark. His princess-wife had been born and raised on Dragonstone. And while the neighbouring islands were vastly different, they had both grown up near the water. And Corlys knew his wife preferred Driftmark’s sandy beaches to Dragonstone’s rocky shores.

For forty years he had divided his time between Driftmark and King’s Landing. As a man of the ocean, he had sought out the sea, even when at the capital. And he often asked his grandchildren to accompany him. He had found fishing spots, otherwise only known to the locals and coves where gathering oysters at low tide would always guarantee a great harvest.

Today he was heading to the beach to fish with Joffrey. Not that food was lacking at The Keep, but simply for his and Joffrey’s enjoyment. And hopefully a moment for them to catch up. The last many moons had gone by in a blur. While Corlys had been a frequent visitor at court, he had not had much time to spend with his grandchildren, as he was also needed at home. Now he and Rhaenys were staying at The Red Keep for an extended period to help with the wedding and for Rhaenys to spend time with the family before the little hippocamp arrived. “Ready, Joffrey?” He asked as he spotted Laenor’s youngest son. Corlys had two fishing poles over his shoulder and held a bucket with other supplies in the other hand. “Best get going before we are called back by your muña or muñazma,” he added with a wink.

Starter for @princejoffreyvelaryon