Chapter Text
Sunspear
The 18th day of the 6th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Nephew,
Even though it is not my intention to start bothering your correspondence, I feel very much obliged to communicate a few things to you and Lord Corlys.
As you are aware, Her Royal Highness Queen Rhaenyra sent me on a diplomatic journey to reinforce our relationships with Dorne. Not that I am not bothered by the task, but it is part of my duty to the throne and to our family.
I have found the lords here receiving me with the warmest welcome, and the Dornish people have been kind. Perhaps Driftmark can replicate a thing or two.
As I have discussed, the lords have brought to my attention whether it might be in our interest to share some of the new knowledge of sea travel that the Dornish people have taken note of. As a sign of good faith, I agreed to have new navigation charts and instruments sent to Driftmark. They should arrive within the next moon.
As the future heir to the Driftwood Throne, I owe it to you and Lord Corlys to keep you informed of this exchange, and proper thanks are in order as well.
Remember that your image and your service for the good of our House must come first.
Do not feel the need to address this matter, as I have already written to the Queen and others.
Greetings,
Prince Aemond Targaryen
P.S. Do not bother with an answer.
Driftmark
The 24th day of the 6th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen,
Uncle,
I hope you are having a joyous time during your safe travels. May good winds bring you fortune. I believe the Dornish favor blessings upon the sea and wind, so I can only hope you find yourself well and that there is not too much sand bothering you.
Please remember to seek shade from the Dornish sun, as it is well known that pale complexions may burn rather easily.
In regard to your unasked generosity, I decided to explicitly write to thank you for your unusual, though not unwelcome, thoughts concerning the future of our navy. Trust Lord Corlys and me when I say we have marveled at your philanthropy.
The package arrived safely, and Grandsire is already instructing some of the captains on the notes and books you sent. It seems their forms of astrolabes are more advanced than ours, though not beyond our capacity for understanding.
I hope you do not feel that your letters bother me at all, Uncle. Feel free to send them whenever you wish, so that I might enjoy more of your travel anecdotes- and especially any mishaps. I assure you, I shall find them most enjoyable.
Most regards and good fortune,
Prince Lucerys Velaryon
P.S. Jacaerys sends his wishes as well.
Sunspear
The 2nd day of the 7th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Nephew,
I see my regards and instructions have gone unnoticed, as always, but I suppose there is not much to be done about that, since your rebellious nature seems to prevail.
Since we appear unable to reach an understanding, allow me to bore you with my endeavors.
Sunspear is not, in fact, sunny every day. At times, the winds take full hold of the place, and the days are mostly of an agreeable temperature. I assure you, the sand is the least of my troubles. As someone entrusted with duties to the Crown, I am less concerned with the circumstances of the places I am required to visit. I have never considered myself one to be spoiled by demands, unlike others.
Sunspear is also home to many faces, particularly those who seek knowledge. I have enjoyed their company and our conversations concerning ancient history.
It alleviates me to know that, despite the complexity of the artifacts I sent, they have proven useful. I was beginning to wonder whether you had been unable to decipher their purpose and found yourself in yet another unsolved trouble. So do not fret, Nephew. I am more than well, as there are many faces here whom I am required to meet, speak with, and come to know.
I shall also let you know that perhaps the only unhappy one is Vhagar, as she is not fond of being so far from familiar lands. Even so, she is enduring.
As for anecdotes, there are perhaps fewer than observations. I have found that the Dornish seem to grasp life differently, and there are customs in the South that would be almost unthinkable in King's Landing. There is, however, always room to understand more.
I shall not write further, as there is plenty to attend to here. As a useful servant of the Crown, I shall return to my duties. I hope the same can be said of you, though I imagine there is not quite as much to occupy one's time upon an island.
Greetings,
Prince Aemond Targaryen
Driftmark
The 9th day of the 7th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen,
Most Esteemed Diplomat,
In hopes this letter finds you in good health, I once again let my rebellious nature prevail by asking for the misadventures of a family member. So, I hope your stay at the beautiful
Water Gardens is still a good one.
You seemed to misunderstand a point of my previous letter, Uncle. Grandsire was surely thankful for the new "artifacts" for navigation. But an astrolabe with more complexity is still an astrolabe. Surely the books were helpful, but I took the time to explain to Grandsire the workings of the new one.
As you said before, I will become heir to the Driftwood Throne, so not knowing the new developments in navigation would be nothing but a blind mistake.
Uncle Daemon and I always seek new ways to acquire books from Pentos and Volantis, so we already keep ourselves well informed.
Since there is not much more to discuss than "unknown artifacts," I shall present news from King's Landing. There is not much to tell. We celebrated the name day of Dowager Queen Alicent, a hunt was offered, and the festivities were enjoyed.
We helped Aegon to his tent after he drank more than he should have.
As for myself, at this moment I had to take my leave with Arrax towards Driftmark in order to help with new plans for a new fleet of ships. Not quite sure, but over here it seems pretty busy, perhaps more so than talking through gardens.
Please, Uncle, remember to keep yourself from the sun's rays. We surely do not want your pale complexion to suffer.
Best wishes,
Luke
P.S. Poor Vhagar
Sunspear
the 15th day of the 7th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Lucerys,
Is it necessary to keep this exchange of letters about useless information? May I remind you that I have no duty to entertain your delusions of faking ourselves into being close. I have known for a long time that neither you nor Jacaerys hold a high opinion of me. Not that I care about the matter either.
Trust me, I know you are more than capable of understanding the mood of someone who does not wish to keep contact. I am quite certain there is no need for the heir to the Driftwood Throne to be concerned with how diplomatic visits through the realm are going.
So please, unhand me from the chore of keeping you entertained. There is no need for animosity, since I know you ask these things only from a place of ridiculing me.
I am currently occupied with other matters.
Greetings,
Prince Aemond Targaryen
P.S. Do not write any more letters. I am serious.
Driftmark
The 8th day of the 8th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen,
Uncle,
It has been a while since we have spoken. I know you asked not to be spoken to, but truly, there is quite some news here. Lord Corlys and I are on our way to navigate across the Fingers in order to conduct some reconnaissance, since a great storm has struck the coast of the Vale. It seems we are using the new model of astrolabe sent from Sunspear. I thought I ought to tell you that.
I hope your visit finds you well. It has been almost two moons since you have left. One must say Aegon was probably speaking to Baela about you being buried in the sands of Dorne. I dare say that perhaps not having someone to tease has brought him close to missing you. Either way, Mother has told me your Queen Mother misses you. Perhaps try to direct your ink more often towards her...
Even though I know there is animosity between us and we do not seem to reach an understanding, I have heard from Mother that things are going well with your work in Dorne. Even I can acknowledge that your work has been fruitful.
Take care of yourself in your future travels.
Prince Lucerys Velaryon
Oldtown
the 16th day of the 8th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Nephew,
Even though I doubt my absence from the Red Keep would be a reason for Aegon not to find another diversion, I rather find some reasoning in your words. I have not written much to my own kinsfolk, since there is much work to do. Either way, my ink may find a way to reach Mother soon, but not yet. There is plenty to do in Oldtown for now, and it seems there might be some tensions here that require my full attention. For now, only informing Her Royal Majesty seems the priority, and enough for the moment.
It amuses me, either way, how a Strong finds his feet in a Velaryon fleet. But since you have already accustomed yourself to it a long time ago, I suppose now you ought to be tested, to learn and work with captains and your own forces. Good for you.
There is no need for more compliments, Nephew. I am only doing what is expected of me, and there is nothing but duty in that. I will admit that traveling has been good for fostering fellowship across the realm, and also a motivation for keeping a north.
Let us hope your aid towards the coast goes without incident and that Lord Corlys and yourself remain unscathed also that you don’t bring trouble to him. For now, I suppose you shall be reading this once you set foot on land again. I think it would do good for all of us members of the Crown to travel through the realm once in a while. Oldtown, as well as the Vale, are of importance to the Crown, but also places that deserve to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
Good luck,
Prince Aemond Targaryen
Oldtown
the 5th day of the 9th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Lucerys,
I know that by now you are still probably at sea, Nephew, but I have been informed by Uncle and Helaena that you have not yet reached Her Majesty. Aside from that, I have come to know that Baela and Aunt Rhaenys have departed from Driftmark in order to help those affected by the storms near the Fingers.
Is it a serious matter? It seems so, though it is hard to know, since in Oldtown news comes slowly, even more so than when I was at the Water Gardens.
I also find myself guilty of not knowing much of the news from the capital, since there are a great many conversations and meetings here, solving some feud between the Bulwers and Beesburys.
I have found myself as a mediator, since Uncle Gwayne is as useful as tits on a bull after a fall from a horse. Daeron seems to be at his limits as well, and since he is the most patient of us, I doubt it is because the matter is easily solvable.
I am not sure, perhaps, of the motive for telling you this useless jabber, but I find myself expecting to be done here and depart to Highgarden.
Send my greetings to Lord Corlys.
Prince Aemond Targaryen
Highgarden
the 11th day of the 9th moon
Lucerys,
I have not received any word of your return to Driftmark. Are you still at sea? Uncle Gwayne and a few of the maesters mentioned, before I departed Oldtown, that the storm was like nothing they had seen before.
Surely, I am expecting you to bring news of whether that is the truth or merely an exaggeration, since in this boring place I find myself surrounded by people surprised by the most unusual of things.
Since your silence has lasted longer than expected, remember to keep Her Majesty informed of your whereabouts.
Prince Aemond Targaryen
Write back when you receive this.
Dragonstone
the 15th day of the 9th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen,
Uncle,
It is with good news that I inform you that Lucerys is well as of now, and I hope it may ease your worries. It seems the storm left them without communication at the Fingers, and neither raven nor any other means of sending or receiving letters was possible.
Despite that, Grandsire and Luke kept their promise and brought resources to the people who needed aid. Sadly, since the conditions were so poor, Lucerys developed a fever in the following days and has been recovering now at Dragonstone. The maesters say it was brought on by exhaustion.
From Driftmark, they tried to inform us of any letters that arrived, but there was little to no chance for them to receive news while they were away.
Now, after Lucerys has broken his fever, I brought them to him, and he kindly asked me to inform you that he is well after reading them.
Out of the matter, may I ask what matter brought such urgency in reaching Luke? Not that I cannot mind my own business, but since you are now traveling, I find myself wondering why you might need to reach my brother so urgently. If there is any matter of offense or grievance, surely it can wait until poor Luke is fully rested.
Please do not take my question as an attempt to see you in a bad light. I am merely trying to make sure everything is well. Mother spoke to me half a moon ago about your travels and the news from them. It seems the disputes with the houses of the Reach have kept you occupied, and she is satisfied with your service to the Crown, so proper felicitations are in order.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
Prince of Dragonstone and Heir to the Iron Throne
Dragonstone
the 21st day of the 9th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen,
Uncle,
It has been quite some time since I have taken up the ink. I made sure to write to Mother first of all, since Jace has been the one keeping in touch with Grandsire and Mother. By now, I feel much better than I did in the previous nights, since the fever I broke was nothing I have encountered before. It appears I am in need of taking better care of myself, or so I have been told here. I am not lying when I say they will not even let me out to see my precious Arrax, just to make sure he is feeling well and that he sees I am all right.
Read your letters. It surprised me a little, but not in an unwelcome way. I am not entirely certain what brought such worry upon you, but I assure you I am taking better care of myself. I apologize for not reaching out sooner, but as Jace told you, there was a rather dangerous situation at the Fingers.
Towns were completely flooded, and houses were destroyed by harsh winds. It seems the weather was not on our side, and the navies sent to help required quite a few repairs afterward, or so I have been informed. Either way, we did what we could, and even though it took much more effort than we thought, the duty is already done.
Now that I have given you an account of what happened, I ought to know, how are your travels keeping you? I hope Oldtown and Uncle Daeron are well. I have been there once with Mother, but I do not remember much of Oldtown beyond the view of the sea and what Daemon told us about the Citadel back then. I think that is one of the only reasons I would find myself going there, along with the books of old stories and perhaps ancient texts about Old Valyria...
Jace once told me there was a book about how in ancient Valyria they used to hold tourneys upon the dragonmounts!
I have just seen your last letter after taking some medicine. It seems Highgarden is not far away, but I imagine the route you are taking will probably see you depart for Casterly Rock.
Am I correct?
Not sure if I should ask, but are you planning to travel to the North? I know the Queen herself bestowed these diplomatic travels upon you, but I find myself thinking the North is... really far away. I do not think the North would be harsh on Vhagar, since she has probably endured harsher climates. As old as she may be, I think she can endure. But either way if you find yourself flying there, be careful.
I have never been there but Jace once told me he almost lost his nose flying there and found himself in Winterfell, being aided and rubbed with special oils upon his face so he would not dry like a grape.
I offer my apologies for the length of this letter. I did not notice how much I had written until now.
Oh! One last thing. One of the ships lost one of its astrolabes, and since we had one of the models you sent, it helped them when we accidentally became separated from the rest of the ships. They found their way back to us in the end, unscathed... so I suppose they are thankful for it.
I am as well.
I hope your travels go without incident, Uncle.
Best wishes,
Prince Lucerys Velaryon
P.S. Jace just told me what he wrote to you. I am so ashamed. Please do not take it personally. He only wanted to help me answer...
So ignore him.
Highgarden
the 29th day of 9th moon
To Prince Jacaerys Velaryon,
Nephew,
I thank you for your answer and for informing me of Lucerys's condition. As for what prompted my concern, I assure you, Prince Jacaerys, it is not a matter that requires your attention.
Regards,
Prince Aemond Targaryen
Highgarden
the 29th day of 9th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Lucerys,
Since I have not had much time to write, I find myself with quite a few ravens arriving more often than usual these days. Do not worry, I do not spare a thought for Jace's words, as they are of little to no importance to me. Either way, I have written to him properly, as thanks are owed for keeping me informed.
They do well to keep you in bed and restrained from whatever mischief you might evoke there, Nephew. Knowing how restless you tend to be in your attempts to satisfy your curiosity, I suspect their watchful eye upon you is precisely what you need, lest you find yourself in more trouble. I mean trouble for yourself and for the rest of us.
So obey, and better your health properly before going outside. Arrax is a beast capable of living for centuries; he can surely manage without you for a few weeks.
The situation at the Fingers was something I expected the Sea Snake to take care of, but since you also managed to be there and be of help -for once- I must admit I am surprised.
As for myself, there is not much to tell about Oldtown. I am currently in Highgarden. I shall not bother you much with the latter, but as for Oldtown, it remains the same grey and depressing place it was the last time I saw it. It is true that perhaps the only place worth seeing might be the Citadel, though little is possible there, since they have become rather isolated from anyone who is not a maester of the Citadel or has been granted passage by royal decree. Something like that.
Trust me, if it is not the Queen herself or one of the Archmaesters asking for passage, they do not budge for anyone. Perhaps, with all their wisdom and silly dressing, they have also become less amicable about sharing their knowledge, and fools for keeping it so secluded. Who knows? Perhaps in the future you shall travel there and visit Daeron, who would gladly instruct you on every little uninteresting thing to be found within its walls.
Confirming your words, the next place I must visit is Casterly Rock. Trust me when I say I find myself dreading the idea of landing there, even if only for a moment. There is nothing closer to the Seven Hells than a copy of Tyland Lannister, and I can only hope Lord Jasson will at least have the education or intellect not to make the visit more bothersome than it already is. There is no more to say of that.
I have sent you a book lent by Daeron. He kept it mainly because it holds more records concerning dragons, and since it is one of my interests, I have already read it. Perhaps it will help that little head of yours remain in one place while you recover completely. You may send it to Helaena or keep it once you are finished.
As you predicted, I find myself obliged to travel to the North. There are still more journeys ahead, since the unification of the realm can never simply be taken for granted. We must always remind the Houses under whose rule they remain. It is not troublesome, but these travels have given me much to reflect upon.
I did not notice how many questions you had, Lucerys, but do not think I have an infinite supply of paper at my disposal.
Only bother me with a word once you are healed, Nephew. I shall not read it either way.
Greetings,
Prince Aemond Targaryen
P.S. I will know if you lie. Do not try me, kid.
Driftmark
the10th day of the 10th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen,
Uncle,
I’m currently better, so now I’m back with Arrax at Driftmark. I took my time to stay and annoy Jace and Baela as much as I could, but he had his own affairs in King’s Landing. I guess Mother Dragon Jace can no longer watch me write things, though he can truly be so overprotective. More than my own mother at times.
I read your letter next to Grandsire, and he couldn’t help but chuckle a little at the idea of dealing with the Lannister twin lords. It does seem a dreadful matter. So, we are rooting for you and hoping you do not end up cutting one of their heads in half.
I have thought a lot about the North. I have always been curious about the Old Gods. From what I have grasped, the Faith of the Seven as well as the Fourteen Flames are from faraway lands. Before you treat me as a heretic, read what I have to say. Despite how much time has passed, it makes me curious how the Old Gods are represented. I remember Jace only telling me that Lord Cregan Stark spoke about it briefly, but he made it seem like the Old Gods live in nature itself. Probably since the North is so far away and it is not a welcoming place, people have always respected nature in a way that we cannot understand, since we do not endure the same hardships.
Apologies, I don’t know what made me reflect so much on it… Maybe a part of me is wary of the North since it is not that kind to southerners. But-
Never mind. You have Vhagar. I’m pretty sure that dragon alone can probably heat a whole village with how big and warm she is. Sadly, she is not that friendly.
Also mother told me you sent a book, it arrived on Kings Landing since the people bringing it had some troubles along the route, she will be sending it the next few days.
I know I’m probably not making much sense. In the next few days, Daemon is coming to Driftmark. He was probably more strict with me about recovering since he doesn’t like people not taking care of themselves properly, and perhaps Mother sent him since I’ve not received many visitors on the island.
Good luck with the Lannisters, and be careful in the North.
Luke
Casterly Rock
the16th day of the 10th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Taoba,
I think I have already told you well enough that you do not have to write to me unless you have gotten better. Foolish boy. You should be more grateful for the concern they have shown you, and do not act like a child Lucerys.
It does not matter where I have to go. The North is part of the realm, and even though it is far away from us, it is still of importance to maintain the Crown's presence there. I will not deny that, for the most part, my travels have been fine, but my patience is currently being tested by the Lannisters.
Can you believe they like to sing until past the hour of the nightingale? It is preposterous. I have had to listen to their badly written songs from those imbecile balladeers day and night. One thing I am certain of is that they like to flaunt their wealth in the most flamboyant ways. I think the Queen should have a serious conversation with Lord Tyland in the future.
Why is your mind elsewhere, nephew? Your letter seems all over the place. I do not care much for the things going on in your life, but something seems to be troubling you. Perhaps if you were not so stubborn and foolish as to refuse proper rest, you would have your thoughts clearer, and I could make sense of your poor calligraphy.
Perhaps Daemon can put some sense into you, but knowing him, he will probably try to keep your mind occupied with training or something else.
Rest.
Prince Aemond Targaryen
P.S. I shall head North on the morrow. Your letters will take longer to reach me, so you should refrain from writing for now.
Driftmark
the 27th day of the 10th moon
Qȳbor,
Why do you have to be so harsh all the time? It’s not as if I tried to get sick when I was trying to help others on purpose. With that attitude, I doubt any lady would want to be around you, since you seem to have so little appreciation for gentleness.
You were right, Daemon really did not give me time to even think for a moment. We trained and flew a little. Well even though the main center of his visit was-
It seems Mother thought of sending me some things from my old chambers in King’s Landing, as well as the book you sent. I spent a whole afternoon looking through old books I thought forgotten, along with other trinkets and memories. There were also some things I was gifted when I was a child.
I know you always want me to stop writing but and I wanted to ask
I won’t bother you much, but try to tell me you that arrived at Winterfell or where you plan to go.
I currently have a lot to think about. Apologies for the short letter.
Safe travels,
Lucerys
White Harbor
the 21st day of the 11th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Mandianna,
Harsh? It is not I who fails to offer proper thanks for a gift, and it is of little interest to me now, since my duty lies elsewhere. I care little for matters concerning court, betrothals, or the affairs surrounding them. The matter is trivial to me.
Perhaps Daemon has not left your shadow, and that has made you more quiet. Good.
Surely, among the things he brought from your old chambers, there must have been that silly wooden sword you could never properly use against Aegon. Do tell me if he happened to bring Jace's old diary as well, where he used to write about how cruel everyone in King's Landing was to him.
I currently find myself with somewhat a bit more time, though I remain occupied. I must also correct you, nephew. The North is not entirely made of forests, snow, and men who speak to trees.
White Harbor is even busier than King's Landing. The city is of considerable importance, and its history is far older than that of the capital. It seems there may also be more work to be done in strengthening relations between White Harbor and Driftmark. The storm reached here as well, though thankfully not with the same severity as it did the Fingers.
Vhagar is well. The maesters were concerned about finding a place where she could land and remain comfortable given her size, but the matter has already been settled.
Desmond Manderly has sent a request for me to accompany him while he inspects the forests and the lands surrounding the harbor. I shall leave it here for now.
Regards,
Prince Aemond Targaryen
P.s Give the book back if you didn’t like it.
Driftmark
the 25th day of the 11th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen
Qȳbor,
I had forgotten about the book. I am deeply sorry. It has been an interesting read, so THANK YOU VERY MUCH. There.
Well, among the things I received from King's Landing, there were a few recipes Aunt Helaena gifted me back then, a few of Joffrey's old doodles, and some drawings.
About that, I found one drawing of Balerion, and it had your signature. The funny thing is, it was also very well drawn… Do you still draw, Uncle?
Well, let us say I gave it some thought. I know we did not have a particularly close relationship, but we were family back then, or something close to that. I mostly remember a few things from before- you know. Perhaps I am overthinking it, but since I was little, my memory has always been somewhat fuzzy when it comes to before that happened, and I was not sure whether asking you about it would be proper.
Jace and Mother often told me that we were close, but I cannot seem to remember much of it, or whether it was truly like that. Sorry, I am rambling again, and perhaps giving the drawing much thought.
I suppose you are finally in the North. Hopefully Vhagar has become a proper source of warmth for you. One day, I would like to visit the other lords along with Arrax.
It has been many moons since you departed. You surely must be tired... because it seems like a bother to speak with lords all the time.
Take care,
Prince Lucerys Velaryon
P.S. It has been four moons. That is a long time to be away from King's Landing.
White Harbor
the 2nd day of the 12th moon
To Prince Lucerys Velaryon,
Lucerys,
A late response on my part, since I have been occupied with plenty over here. Lord Manderly has been demanding quite a lot these days, and as far as my instructions from the Queen go, I am still expected to assist with whatever is asked of me. It is quite late now, and this is the only peace I have had since helping settle a few disputes over barren lands with nothing but sheep upon them. It is incredible how the realm has held itself together for so long, surprisingly.
You may find this letter boring, since I really have little to offer. Perhaps that will finally put an end to this nonsense of penmanship.
For now, as far as I can tell, White Harbor and its surrounding lands are cold, monotonous, and vast. I can even feel Vhagar having some trouble with the chilled winds, though she still manages better than I do.
Not to disappoint you, nephew, but you are certainly asking the wrong person about childhood. I have little interest in recalling mine. It is better to concern oneself with the present, as you should.
For now, I am in a place where I am expected to obey and do as I am asked. There is little more to it than that. The days pass, and there is another tiresome one waiting after them, so stop thinking about how long I have been away. Trust me, Aegon and Mother are probably blessed that I am not close enough to disturb them with my presence.
Greetings.
Prince Aemond Targaryen
P.S. Counting moons is strange, especially coming from you.
Driftmark
the10th day of the 12th moon
To Prince Aemond Targaryen,
Uncle,
You have survived Casterly Rock and Sunspear; that is no small achievement. You sound tired, so do not be so stubborn! Seven hells, Aemond, gods forbid someone should ask about your wellbeing.
It is not boring if you tell me about the city, then. I bet Lord Manderly surely does not work himself as much as he should. You sound tired.
Vhagar is a smart creature. She might find shelter in a cave. Dragons can survive winter, and I have seen how they find comfort from the cold. Sometimes they even heat the ground before sleeping! I trust she knows what is best for her. And surely you will not find yourself with an icicle of a dragon when you go to see her. I remember Meleys getting injured once, and their blood runs like boiling water. Surely that must help.
I kept the drawing, by the way. Maybe when you come back, I will send you a drawing of Vhagar.
Surely my drawing skills cannot be that bad.
There are little news from here. Daemon left for King's Landing. I suppose once again it is only Arrax and me. Grandsire and Grandam had to travel to Maidenpool to resolve the matter of some seized ships and conduct some inspections. I am still not entirely in high spirits, so they decided I would rather stay, even though I wanted to go.
I do not think it is strange. Four moons is simply a long while. I was merely stating a fact.
Eternally debating you,
Prince Lucerys Velaryon
White Harbor
the 24th day of the 12th moon
Lucerys,
You making my exhaustion a matter of concern is becoming quite annoying, nephew. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I do not need any more nagging.
I will spare you any future letters, Lucerys. What is actually the matter? Do you long for sentimentality because you found a drawing from when we tried to play family back then? Are you feeling nostalgic for a bond that existed only in the stories others have told you?
I shall set the bar higher.
Or perhaps you have finally begun feeling guilty for cutting my eye out?
I do not have the time nor the patience to deal with your newfound guilt or emotions over a foolish drawing. It does not matter- not to me, and certainly not after all these years. You have no reason to feel guilty now, so give it a rest. If you want to remember the good old times, you can always bother Helaena, Aegon, or your brothers.
And since you seem so interested in knowing everything about me, here is something else: no, I do not draw anymore. Not since I lost my depth perception and the use of several skills that took a very long time to recover. It was a foolish drawing, Lucerys. You are giving meaning to something that had none.
There. You wanted to hear about the city? I assure you, even Casterly Rock was preferable to this godforsaken cold. Vhagar hates it here. I do as well. But not everyone gets to sit comfortably on an island. Some of us are only useful because we have a dragon, or because we possess some skill that can be put to use. I am likely as disposable as they want me to be. Had I not come here, someone else would have.
So yes, perhaps I am exhausted from listening to the endless nonsense of Lord Manderly's court and their stupid problems that they cannot solve on their own.
Do not write me.
Prince Aemond Targaryen