DAENERYS WOKE EARLY TO THE SOUND of rain hitting the deck of her ship and men yelling above the crashing waves. Sleep had not yet left her, but she could just make out what caused such commotion – land. Was it a dream, or had she made it home?? The rocking boat made for unsteady footing as Daenerys moved to the deck, hands holding wooden walls to keep from falling. Morning light was dimmed by the storm when she stepped out from the hull of the ship; it felt more like dusk than morning, she thought, lilac eyes rising to the thunderous clouds looming above. Dragon banners held by masts rippled against stiff winds – they were wings carrying her home. She smiled at the thought, her face turned towards the heavens as rain and ocean spray covered her skin in equal parts.
The dragon queen had hardly been noticed, her men bustling around to secure gear to the deck, fighting the elements and barking orders at each other. Their words ( the winds have changed! ) were lost to Daenerys ( drop the sails! ) as she moved to the railing where Arya already stood, holding tightly to the posts. An island floated on the horizon, black cliffs jutting into gray clouds, only just visible through the rain. Dragonstone.
The sky rumbled and her children sang, announcing their arrival as they circled the sky above. Silver hair whipped around her face and stuck to her neck as she looked onto it, struck with pride – struck with fear. "It is just as he described," Daenerys murmured, her voice incredulous. The castle stood atop the rocks as if it was one of them, as if it had been there for a thousand years. "He was just child when we fled – and yet ..."
