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Twenty and five years ago, Princess Rhaenyra was removed from the line of succession after King Viserys Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower learned of her marriage, or marriages. Under the guiding flame of the Fourteen and the Branches of the Godwood, Rhaenyra had taken three husbands: Lord Rickon Stark of the North, Ser Laenor Velaryon, Heir to Driftmark, and Prince Daemon Targaryen, her Uncle.
It was Ser Otto, Lord Hand, who encouraged the King to remove her because of her unlawful wedding.
Having learned of her impending removal as Heiress, Rhaenyra created a contract with the help of Lyonel Strong, the Master of Law.
The First Clause.
Dragonstone, her ancestral home, and the Stepstones, Prince Daemons second gift for winning the war, were hers and her husbands alone and would be passed down through her line alone.
The Second Clause.
Anything belonging to the late Queen Aemma would be given to Princess Rhaenyra to be passed down through her line alone. This included all of her possessions, jewelry, dresses, and her crowns.
The Third Clause.
Anything of Valyrian Ancestry, whether living or not, belonged to Rhaenyra to pass down as she pleased.
The Fourth Clause.
The Dragons woud be removed from the Dragonpit and guided to the Dragonmont. If any Targaryen henceforth wished to claim a dragon they would have to gain permission from Princess Rhaenyra and her husbands.
As a gift for Aegons second nameday Rhaenyra left him and her younger sister, Halaena eggs.
The Fifth Clause.
Daemons Gold Cloaks would be allowed to follow to protect Dragonstone as they had Kings Landing.
The contract was shown to King Viserys privately, so none of his counsel was able to refute it. He agreed, signing the contract in blood before copies were sent out to each kingdom and member of the Counsel.
The morning after King Viserys signed the contract his entire family left. The Velaryons returned to Driftmark, and Rhaenyra and her husbands to Dragonstone where no word was heard for twenty and five years.
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Within the first year of living on Dragonstone, the Volcano erupted and gave them nearly double the land they had before. The Island became renowed for its Rock Salt, Fine Salt, Dragonglass, Glass, and Pearls all of which were abundant.
Created on the Northeastern side of the island, after a second smaller eruption added several miles, was a smaller keep built specifically for Rhaenyras line to inherit. The Keep, known as the Narrows Watchtower, had docks below for the Fleet of the Fourteen which would eventually be given to Prince Rhaenor Velaryon and his betrothed Princess Aemma Targaryen.
As Rhaenyra and Daemon knew what it felt like to be pushed aside they made sure their children knew that family was the most important thing, that nothing could break the bond of blood. They also made sure each child would inherit something so anger and jealosy would not fester.
Each child was given an egg within the cradle, and eventually taught the same lessons so they were given the same opportunities. Princess Rhaenyra was also going to make sure none of her children felt pressured to marry and let them have a say in their betrothals.
Prince Baelon Targaryen ll, Heir to Dragonstone.
Prince Aemon Targaryen ll, Heir to the Stepstones.
Prince Cregan Stark, Heir to the North.
Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, Heir to Crackclaw point.
Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Heir to Driftmark.
Princess Khalysi Targaryen, Heiress to Dragonstone.
Prince Jon Stark, Heir to Moat Cailin.
Princess Arya Stark, Heiress to Moat Cailin.
Prince Corryn Velaryon, Heir to the Sea Serpents Fleet.
Prince Rhaenor Velaryon, Heir to the Fleet of the Fourteen Flames.
Prince Benjen Stark, Heir to Greywater Watch.
Princess Saerys Targaryen, Heiress to Greywater Watch.
Princess Alyssa Targaryen, Heiress to Rainwood Isles.
Princess Aemma Targaryen, Heiress to the Narrows Watchtower.
Princess Visenya Targaryen ll, Heiress to the Vale.
Princess Rhaena Targaryen lll, Heiress to the Isles of Skagos and Skane.
Prince Baelon was betrothed to Princess Khalysi and Prince Lucerys at a young age due to their closeness. They were wedded after Khalysi's tenth and sixth Nameday, marking her as a grown woman.
Prince Aemon was betrothed to Princess Nehemia of Martell after it became obvious they liked each other during peace talks in Dorne. They were married after Princess Nehemias tenth and sixth Nameday, marking her as a grown woman.
Prince Cregan Stark was betrothed to Alyssane Blackwood after he saw her using a bow against the Wildlings. They married soon after the battle as Alyssane was already ten and seven.
Prince Jacaerys was married to Alinor Celtigar, which gave him Crackclaw Point.
Prince Jon and Princess Arya were married on their tenth and sixth nameday.
Prince Corryn was betrothed to Princess Alyssa because of their similar behaviors and wild hearts.
Prince Rhaenor and Princess Aemma were betrothed due to their own similarities and their friendship.
Prince Benjen and Princess Saerys were betrothed because they near begged to be, having fallen for each other at a young age.
Princess Visenya and Princess Rhaena were left unbetrothed, because Lady Jeyne was given permission to find their matches because their territories were gifts from the Vale.
With no information being given to Kings Landing, King Viserys, Queen Alicent, and Ser Otto had no idea of the 'army' of children Rhaenyra had. Nor of the amount of hatched dragons, and claimed dragons.
13 cradle hatched dragons, 3 claimed, with a dragonseed claiming Sheepstealer and becoming Princess Visenya's Sworn Maiden.
With three adult dragons, if not four or five when Rhaenys and Laena visited with Rhaenys and Vhagar.
Dragonstone was a fortress, with an army to protect her.
Rhaenyra cursed Rickon for putting her through this again but the man simply held her hand and murmured reassurances. Laenor nor Daemon seemed able to handle the birthing room and neither Laena nor Rhaenys would make it in time. She screamed as another of pain hit her just in time for the castle to shake beneath the weight of a dragon.
Her eyes snapped open as Rickon cursed, reaching for the sword that was normally at his hip but had been forced to leave outside. The guards shouted at the door as the midwives panicked.
Rhaenyra's eyes drifted towards the window where a large yellow eye stared back, watching her. She screamed as another wave hit her and the oldest midwife rushed towards her to support her as she panicked.
It took another three hours for her next son to be born, with the dragon outside watching her the entire time.
When he was finally placed back in her arms, no longer bloodied, the dragon outside rumbled focus completely on the newly named Cregan Stark, Heir to Winterfell. It was then that Rhaenyra knew what she had to do.
Using her strength, she climbed out of the birthing bed, with Rickon supporting her while the Midwives fretted over her. He helped get her outside, with a retinue of knights and midwives at their back though they all froze when they found Vermithor perched on the castle, watching them wuth those yellow eyes.
Slowly, Rhaenyra approached him as he lowered his massive head to the walkway. His eye though was on the babe in her eyes as a low croon came from his throat.
Cregan gurgled, delighted as his tiny hands waved towards the huge, spiky dragon. Vermithor slowly leaned forward until the babe could slap a chubby hand against his nose, earning a squeal of genuine excitement from Cregan.
Her heart warmed even as her entire body ached from the pains of labors. Her son had claimed the Bronze Fury, dragon of King Jaehaeris himself.
Rhaenyra threw back her head with a fearful scream, clutching Rhaenys and Laena's hands like lifelines. The midwife in front of her urged her to push, which she did, whilst throwing out curses at her husbands though only Rickon was present.
The Northman hovered by her shoulders, prasiding her and taking her words without worry. He might not truly understand the pain of birth but his father had talked of how his own mother had cursed at him, and then had a second child.
"The babe is almost here, Princess. One more push."
"One more Rhaenyra," Rhaenys said, squeezing her hand. "Just one more. You can do it."
Screaming the vabe was finally pushed out but there was no cry and Rhaenyra felt her heart break, devestation filling her. Then a tiny wail cut the ait and she couldn't help the sob of relief.
"A boy, Princess, Lord Stark."
Rhaenyra went to reach for her baby only to feel another wave of pain that made her scream.
"The afterbirth," Another midwife said, pushing the other away. She leaned down only to freeze in shock before straightening. "Princess, you need to push. Now."
Rhaenyra screamed, louder than before, but did as she said. Across the room the babe wailed louder, as if he was afraid for her. With a final push, the midwife pulled a second babe from her. "Another boy, Princess, my Lord. Congratulations."
"Another?" Rhaenyra asked, staring at the bloodied babe in the womans arms. "Twins? How did-? How did the Maester not catch this?"
"Twins are difficult to catch, my Princess. But now we know how you carry twins and we can prepare next time."
Rhaenyra nodded slowly, but Laena was practically bouncing in place. "Oh, Cousin, twins! How wonderful! What shall you name them?"
Rickon and Rhaenys brought the cleaned babes to her allowing her to hold the oldest, who was quick to find her tit and latch on. The second was supported by Rhaenys and feasted as well.
"The oldest will be my heir. Baelon Targaryen, Heir to Dragonstone. The second will be Daemons heir. Aemon Targaryen, Heir to the Embar Glass Isles."
"Strong names," Rhaenys murmured, eyes softening.
"Thank you, Good-mother."
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Rhaenyra and her husbands all watched with bated breath as Baelon and Aemons eggs wiggled and cracked. Baelon suddenly cooed, reaching for his egg just as a large crack split it down the middle. It fell open revealing a deformed black, red, and gold dragon who lifted his head up and revealed green eyes watching them curiously. Baelon clapped in delight reaching for his hatchling who scrambled up the crib and used Rhaenyra's dress to get to him.
Aemon made the sane sound Baelon did and his own egg opened revealing a gold and red she-dragon who looked like a mirror image of Syrax when she was a hatchling. The hatchling sung her song and climbed up the crib before launching herself into Daemons arms to reach Aemon.
They all shared looks of awe. Syrax had laid the eggs almost as soon as Rhaenyra had announced her own pregnancy, and allowing her to take both eggs.
In the years following the hatchlings were eventually named Morghul, after the Valyrian word for death, and Shrykos for the goddess of roads.
King Viserys had called his Small Council, his daughter Rhaenyra, her husbands, the Velaryon family, his wife, and his sons. He announced that, as he had never announced an heir after disinheriting Rhaenyra, they were to show him why they should be the heir and eventual ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.
Otto went first, advacating for Aegon. "Aegon is your firstborn son, Your Grace. I believe the people would feel more assured if a son ascended the throne as we are in tumultous times. Perhaps in the future a Queen will rule, but I do not believe now is the time for change."
Alicent agreed, advicating for Aegon. "I agree with ny Father, your Hand, husband. Aegon has also been married by the faith to Halaena in the ways of the Targaryens and now has an heir himself. Jahaerys."
Tyland Lannister, Maester Orwyle, and Jasper Wylde all advocated for Aegon.
Rickon advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Grace. My wife rebuilt the North, making us stronger than ever. Her farmers on Dragonstone taught ours to raise and shear sheep, and then make the wool into warm, thick clothes. And in winter their meat provides."
"Her dragons created caves to nest in and discovered iron depots within, allowing us to trade in iron and weapons. Our trade with the Vale, the Stormlands, Driftmark, the Embar Glass Isles, and Dragonstone has given us the supplies to prepare for winter."
"In 118, when we had settled she had fishermen sent to the North to test something. We learned there were plenty of clams, and fish for us, and now the sea provides as our woods do."
Laenor advocated for Rhaenyra. "My wife has helped repare the rift between your family, Your Grace, and mine. She has created the fleet of the Fourteen Flames led by Ser Vaemond Velaryon, my uncle, on the ship, Arrax that now patrols Dragonstones waters. She created the army of the Second Sons, giving second sons something to fight for. They now patrol Dragonstone and protect the people from traders and others who would do them harm."
Daemon advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Grace, Rhaenyra has taken control of the Stepstones, or as we have renamed them, the Embar Glass Isles, because of their abundance of sea glass. This opened trade with Dorne themselves, who quite adore the shards. Almost every isle has a barrack or castle, a garrison to defend it, and a fleet to patrol the waters."
"Dragonstone is now the center of trade for the Vale, the Stormlands, the North, Driftmark, and the Isles. We want for nothing. We have enough coin to last us many years. The Seven Kindoms would prosper under her rule. And any man who decided that it wasn't her place to rule would face Dark sister and I. As well as our husbands, and their families and lands. No one would think to attack us if Rhaenyra ruled."
Corlys Velaryon advocated for Rhaenyra. "Princess Rhaenyra has repared the slight you dealt to us when you married a daughter from a second son without giving any others a chance. She has given my brother a place as fleet commander, my daughter is an ambassador for Rhaenyra in Pentos and Essos. My son is now her prince consort and would rule as King Consort beside her. Our trade has expanded because of her. What has your son done in the years he's been your supposed heir?"
Rhaenys advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Queen spoke of how the succession has been secured because of Aegons single son, Jaeharys I believe. But Rhaenyra has 16 children. And if she became Queen all would be her line of succession until her eldest, Baelon had children. She has brought back the dwindling numbers of the Targaryen family, as well as the dragons."
"19 dragons currently rest on Dragonstone, and each has a rider. There is Syrax, Caraxes, and Seasmoke. There is Morghul, Shrykos, Āeksion, Ānogar, Moondancer, and Morning. Tyvaros, Meraxes, Tyraxes, Tessarion, Cloudjumper, Vermax, and Arrax. 3 of her children have claimed Vermithor, Silverwing, and Grey Ghost."
"Your family, Your Grace, has two dragons. Sunfyre, an adolescent who is barely larger than a carruage despite his age and Dreamfyre whose rider. I doubt would ever fight in a war."
Laena advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your grace, Rhaenyra has fone something no other woman has. She has allowed her daughters, alongside her sons, to learn to fight. Each is well versed in sword fighting alongside their prefferred weapon and all hold Valyrian weapons."
"Dorne has been brought into the fold because of Rhaenyra and likely would not respond well to Aegon who does not seem to have . . . the delicacy needed to speak with them."
Lyman Beesbury advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Grace, I have served you well and Rhaenyra has done incredible work. The crown recieves more coin from the North, the Vale, the Stormalnds, and Driftmark, than every other land. It is because of her the crown is so well off. I believe that it is time for change. Princess Rhaenys was passed over because we weren't ready, but now . . . Now Rhaenyra is ready."
Viserys, who had gone pale hearing everything his daughter had done, especially after he learned of her children and their dragons, looked to Aegon. "And you, Aegon? What is your wish?"
Aegon hesitated, glancing between his own mother and grandfather before his eyes flickered to Rhaenyra. "I advocate for Princess Rhaenyra, Your Grace. She will sit the Iron Throne better than I ever could."
At his side Alicent paled dramatically, as Otto turned red. Aemond eyed his brother with confusion, but Haelaena, she looked satisfied, and relieved.
"Rhaenyra?"
"I advocate for myself, Your Grace. My husbands, my good-family, and Lord Beesbury have given you all why I should rule."
Viserys nodded, and slowly climbed to his feet. "I will make my announcent on the morrow. For now, I rest and think."
Once the king had left, and everyone else had left, leaving Alicent and Otto with her sons, Otto whirled on Aegon. "She will kill you! Do you not understand, you fool! The Princess will order Daemon to bring her heads to her jsut to make sure you could never rule. She will kill your son and your daughter."
"If Rhaenyra wanted your sons dead, she'd have had them killed years ago before she was disinherited," Daenon drawled, emerging from the shadows with two strangers at his side.
The one to his right had black, curly hair streaked with silver-gold, and dark, purple eyes that seemed to glow in the low light of the throne room. He wore red, black and gold armor over his riding leathers, with a longsword at his waist.
The one to his left had braided silver hair and pale lilac eyes that screamed amusement, his dark skin contrasting his companions paler skin. His armors were predominently gold and black with red braces on his armes over his rider leathers. He wore a longsword at his hip with a ruby cut in the shape of a tear drip resting on the pommel.
"Ah, yes. I guess you were nver introduced. Our sons, Baelon Targaryen, heir to Dragonstone, and Aemon Targaryen, Heir to the Embar Glass Isles.
Alicent paled further as the door was swung open and Rhaenyra, Rickon and Laenor swept inside with 14 more children, guards, and horrifingly, 18 Direwolves. Some stood as tall as horses or ponies while some weren't much bigger than dogs.
"I apoligize, Queen Alicent. I believed you all would have left to see to other things. I had hoped to show ny children the famed Iron Throne," Rhaenyra stated. The little girls at her side, who were twins so alike it was impossible to tell them apart were squinting at the throne before one spoke up.
"It's ugly, Muña. When you sit in it you should add cushions."
"Father has yet to make his decision Aemma. We do not know if I will sit the throne."
"The King would be dumb not to choose you."
"Alyssa," Rhaenyra warned.
The twin ti the meft grinned and chirped, " I'm Alyssa, Muña."
"Yeah. How could you confuse us?"
Rhaenyra sighed, though it was fond, and rest her hands on their braided hair. "If you continue switching places, I'll punish both of you."
Both girls backed down with a chorused, "Yes Muña. We're sorry, Muña."
Alicent watched as the oldest girl, at least she assumed, passed her mother to join her father and her brothers it seemed. She nearly recoiled when she saw the shaved side of her head, with all of her silver-gold hair braided into a single, thick braid.
The girl was closely followed by a curly white haired, lanky yoing man who seemed to be the same age as her. He seemed nervous, indigo eyes darting around and taking everything in.
Baelon smiled, leaning down slightly to press a kiss against his sister-wife's lips, murmuring a greeting.
With horror, Alicent watched as he did the same to Lucerys before he pulled them close so they could talk.
None of Rhaenyra's family seemed bothered by the heathens, but her family all looked horrified, or confused in Aegons case.
Aegons suddenly stepped forward calling for his sisters attention. Rhaenyra looked at him cooly, thoughts hidden beneath a mask.
"I wish to know what shall happen if you ascend the Iron Throne. Where will we go?"
"I have heard Prince Aemond is a skilled swordsman. If he wished he could squire beneath any of the Kingsguard, or ny own personal guard. And if he rose through the ranks, I see no readon for him not to become the leader of the Second Sons of Dragonstone."
"Prince Daeron, who must still be fostering in Hightower, could stay if he wished. There are rumors he is training to be a Maester, yes? Then he would be welcome as Dragonstones Maester should he ever wish. And if he chooses a different path, I am sure I will find a position for him."
"But I am unsure as to where to place you, Aegon. My son, Baelon, would be my cupbearer so I cannot offer you that position. And I doubt you'd want any other. Do you have any ideas?"
"Larys Strong has been officially titled the Master of Whispers. I admit the position is interesting."
"Then it would be yours. If you proved yourself capable of holding it. And Halaena. Wherever you wish to go, I will grant you."
"The keep is my home," Halaena murnured, feebly.
"And your home it would stay. Your mother could return to Oldtown or stay. It eould be her choice."
They all noticed how she said nothing of Otto.
Aegon hoped Viserys chose her. He didn't want to be King, he never had.
Rhaenyra hoped Viserys chose her. The Hightowers were destroying the realm. She would fix it an dleave it stronger than ever for her son and his.
rickon stark, "the black wolf" or "the wildling wolf" (which do you think he'll be known as?)
It's time for a redraw! I still love the starlings and my joy is see them smiling.
(Click for better quality)
canon divergence stark family. they all lived, they're all happy, no one hates no one (not saying WHO *cough* catelyn *cough*) and it's the year 305 AC (seven years later) so there's two more kids.
so:
robb, aged 21, bran aged 15 and rickon aged 10 (he's a large bulky kid)
jon snow, aged 21
sansa aged 18 and arya aged 16 (she had a growth spurt at 14)
edwyn, oc, aged 5/6. he's a twin
harwyn, oc, aged 5/6. he's edwyn's twin
ned aged 42, catelyn aged 41. cat MIGHT be pregnant in this again
working on a “they all lived” stark artwork set 7 years later. jon is not part of the night’s watch. it’s actually lowkey set in a canon divergence fic i’m writing. ANYWAY. there’s two more starks and a third one on the way cause… cat really likes having lots of kids and having sex with her husband
sO
this is jon, he’s 21 and look! he’s not miserable!
this is robb, he’s also 21
these are sansa and arya, they’re respectively 18 and 16 (arya had a growth spurt)
this is bran, aged 15 <3
this is rickon, aged 10 (he’s very stocky and tall for his age)
thIS is harwyn, an oc. he’s 5/6 years old. he’s a very happy kid with auburn hair and blue eyes like his mother
this is edwyn, harwyn’s brooding twin. he has the stark looks and hair colour but his mother’s hair texture and freckles.
and these are ned and catelyn, aged 42 and 41 respectively
older Arya and Rickon with Shaggydog; I just wanted to draw aggro bloodthirsty Stark kids cuz gdi life is so unfair for them I just want them to go out there and raise a little hell slit some throats GET SOME JUSTICE
I just wanted them to be happy together
Spoilers* Spoilers* Spoilers
On Sansa- At this point in time, I think Sansa doesn’t trust anyone, not even Jon.. Well let’s say she does trust him but not that much. After all that’s happened to her, it’s just difficult to trust someone even if it’s her own brother. I also think she didn’t tell him about the Vale army because she isn’t exactly sure if they will come or not. In addition to that, Jon might change battle plans thereby alerting Ramsay’s camp then they might change plans also. She knows how manipulative Ramsay is.
True, not telling Jon about the possibility of the Vale army coming is a questionable move by Sansa. Some might say she is selfish for sacrificing Rickon, because well that is really selfish. But is it an intelligent move to try rescue him? She knew from the moment she saw shaggydog’s decapitated head that rescuing Rickon is going to be a fruitless effort. Why would Ramsay keep him alive after the battle?
Sansa may be showing that she can play the game but she is still learning. Her moves might not be best. I, myself, don’t think it’s a good idea not to tell Jon about the Vale army or not to pursue saving Rickon, but it is Sansa’s move based on her character.
I hope we see a fitting funeral for Rickon though, or that they show us Sansa crying for the death of her brother just to show us she did not this fully cold hearted person. I hope she would trust Jon more because they need each other now more than ever.
These are just my thoughts though..
Are we not going to talk about how easily/coldly Sansa realized and accepted the fact that Rickon is going to die?
Starklings quick drawing