Daelon Vaelaleas, 6 months before the Doom

Valyria as always, was a bustling city. From occupants running around, slaves following their owners obediently, and dragons flying overhead in every colour imaginable. His own dragon last seen heading towards the Fourteen where his preferred nest was and walking into the council hall in preparation for the next meeting. It had been called seemingly out of nowhere, something that almost never happened. Normally, if it were any random House he might've thought it was another attack by the Dothraki or by the cities that were rising on the eastern border of Slaver's Bay who had the audacity to call themselves Ghiscari descendants.

For decades Ghis had warred with Valyria. Believing themselves to be the better and more powerful empire. At the time, they were still learning how to tame their dragons and as a result did not dare to use them in battle until they had no choice but to do so. The bloody battles all coming to an end in the form of a smoking city, the survivors being enslaved if they were not high up in the empire, and those that were high up promptly forced to watch as dozens of dragons put their capital to dragon fire before being killed themselves. Not much was known about what had caused it as thousands of years had passed, but it was a lesson to all. One does not attack the beauty of the Freehold and expect to walk away free.

His older brother Aerion met him there as did his sister-wife Shaera. Daelon himself was unwed, but Aerion was looking for a suitable bride. According to him, he was in talks with House Aernalys, Naralaerys, Calaenyon, and Melnaeros. All of which House's pretty low in their hierarchy but what could they do? Ever since the Targaryen's and Velaryon's had left in the middle of the night a little over eleven years ago (apart from Haela Targaryen and Rhaena Velaryon), they were in the lower three. Had they not left, they might've had the opportunity to rise themselves higher, but they had. No one in House Velraenos were free to be wed so they couldn't attempt any marriages there. Not that they would if there was, because Lord Freeholder Haelor ever since the two House's had disappeared only referred to them as backstabbers to the Fourteen.

Daelon didn't know how to feel about it all. He had been young when they had left, too young to be permitted to sit in the councils but according to Aerion a massive fight broke out to the point Alyssa Targaryen had the gall to insult Lord Haelor over the fact his parents were father and daughter. Whilst it was common to keep it in the family in their custom to keep their magic pure enough to control their magic and their dragons, to his knowledge they were the only House in almost one hundred years who had resorted to such a union.

"Where are Baemon and Jacaelor?"

"Our twins are being watched by our grandmother Saenyra. She's not been the same since her dragon passed as you know."

That he did. Braexanys was an old dragon, she had six riders total from the records of their family. Being more than two hundred years old and had not gone a day without a bond. A few years prior, the dragon finally lay down for one last time in the arena near their manse where they kept their dragons and never got up again. Not that they had needed to see the corpse to know, Saenyra Vaelaleas' anguished scream when it happened was enough. According to her, it felt like she was being pierced hundreds of times over and over again whilst being roasted alive too. The thought made Daelon shiver, hoping he would never have to experience such with his own dragon as he was old too. He was his fourth rider.

"Good news has arrived though, brother. As you'll know Jaeron Calaenyon died recently after venturing a little too far into the mines after many slaves on his lands were returned scorched, leaving behind his wife Alaenys. He only had a sister and a brother that is weeks old. She has accepted the betrothal."

Daelon's eyes widened slightly at this, shocked they had gotten a House higher than their own. Were House Calaenyon much higher than House Vaelaleas? Nay, they were not. But they were higher, which was something. It pleased him, because Alaenys had even put Alyssa Targaryen to shame according to many. He'd never gotten the chance to meet Alyssa himself, but according to many she had been the most beautiful Valyrian in the city before leaving with her husband, sister, daughter, and nephew. Many questioned why they had left, many whispering as they believed it was to do with the fight that had occurred. But no one ever spoke about it. Well, other than House Caeniar as House Tarennis had disappeared seemingly in the middle of the night too alongside them. They had always despised Daemon Tarennis and his daughter Alysanne as with her having being gifted with the sight, had found a mine which made them the richest House in Valyria, pushing House Caeniar out of the top three. Yet now? They sat proudly beside House Skraenyx and House Haelithox like they owned the city.

"Do you have any idea why this meeting has been called? The next isn't due for another sennight."

"I'd assume it's to do with the amount of slaves that are dying in the mines. Whilst they always died, the few who have witnessed their companions perish are all stating the same. They were perhaps one hundred metres from the ground. Only a decade ago they could go upwards of three hundred metres underground. Something is not right brother, I can just feel it. I keep wondering to myself if Daenys maybe had some sense to her- "

"Do not speak that traitors name in Valyria, Lord Freeholder Aerion."

They snapped their head around to be met with Laerion Haelithox and his brothers Vaenyx and Mataemon. Their wives chatting happily with a few other Dragonlord's further down the corridor and completely oblivious.

"I apologise, your Holiness. May the Fourteen wash away my sins."

No words were spoken for a while but eventually the older nodded and walked inside to take his place.

"What happened that day, brother?"

Aerion was surprised Daelon asked such a question after being reprimanded and begging forgiveness for speaking of traitors to the fourteen. After realising he was serious, he sighed deeply.

"She had the sight too, she stated she saw Valyria be destroyed by the fourteen flames."

"But we are one with the Fourteen though?"

"Are we? I don't know about you brother, but I don't consider myself a god by any means. Neither does Shaera. Now, lets head inside and see what the other thirty-four are saying and why this meeting has been called."

He closed his mouth then, following his brother in obediently and his eyes wandering over to where House Calaenyon were situated, seeing his betrothed staring his way too before promptly blushing and turning away towards the centre of the room as all were inducted in and the braziers were alight. Haelor Skraenyx standing upright and noticeably gulping which immediately set him on edge. Whilst he'd only been old enough to come to councils for three years, everyone knew he was not a man that showed fear. His guts seemingly tying into knots within him.

"I called for this meeting due to a worrying find. As everyone here knows, mine own House are in charge of the largest mine."

After they had seized it from House Tarennis that is, not that they would say so aloud as that was asking to be fed alive to Haelor's dragon.

"Hundreds of slaves have been dying yearly, much more than before and as each year pass more seem to be dying. Therefore, with Lord Freeholder Lord Laerion Haelithox and Lord Freeholder Galaenor Caeniar assembled some brave souls who were not slaves to venture into the mines. Molten rock is at an all time high, no one can venture deeper than ninety metres before being repelled back. Two ventured a little deeper and were watched as their skulls cracked open from the heat."

So his brother was right. Aerion had said one hundred metres, meaning molten rock was steadily rising higher. Fear beginning to wriggle within him but he kept his face still. He didn't doubt he was the only person thinking similarly though, Rhaena Velaryon and Raemon Velraenos had their hands covering their mouths like they were trying not to be sick. Daenys Targaryen said she saw the fourteen flames erupting and destroying their city. But Gods don't turn on Gods. Or at least, not their Gods. If molten rock was rising closer and closer to the edge, perhaps she had been right. The meeting seemed to last for hours as people shouted incredulously demanding an answer out of fear and anger, but there simply were no answers to give. Once outside, Aerion pulled him and Shaera by the arm into a side street and after ensuring no one was there to hear them, he spoke.

"When we get back to the manse, start packing. The marriage between Daelon and Alaenys will take place in three days and a week after this we are leaving Valyria. I mislike this, and I'm not going to ignore this feeling deep in my guts any longer. Shaera, speak to Rhaena Velaryon and see if you can get any word about what happened to everyone else in her House. It's a pity Haela Targaryen died five years prior. Rhaena and Raemon are the only two people we can trust to be honest with us now."

"Surely you jest, brother? The Gods wouldn't punish us such, would they?"

"I'd rather not wholly trust my beliefs when physical outweighs it. A few years ago slaves could go hundreds of metres underground yet now they can't even break one hundred? You heard Lord Freeholder Haelor. I don't know about you Daelon, but to me he looked scared and lost. Like he had no idea where to start. I mislike the man greatly, as do many other Valyrian's, but it doesn't change that if he shows fear, then fear is something we should all be feeling. We will not flee the peninsula. We have a secondary manse in Mantarys. That is where we will travel to."

Shaera Vaelaleas, the talk with Rhaena Velaryon and Raemon Velraenos, 6 months before the Doom.

Fear was something Shaera hated experiencing. The only time she had ever felt scared was when she had finally had enough of being taunted by other Dragonlord's in her class at school because she had yet to claim a dragon of her own. Deciding to show that she was not someone to be walked over when she had set her eyes on Midnight. A stupid name for a dragon, but the navy and white dragon did blend in spectacularly when the moon was at its highest and she was nearing sixty years of age. A young dragon for many, but a massive dragon for its age. She'd almost been scorched, having to resort to using a spell her mother had taught her and only to use if she had no other choice. One which would allow her to blow a dragon horn without facing a horrific death afterwards and would bind the dragon to her.

When she had blown it, the dragon had seemingly paused with its mouth open and being able to see the flames at the back of its throat that were being aimed directly her way. Watching in terror as the flames slowly calmed before disappearing, taking the moment to run over and clamber onto the dragons back before releasing said dragon from the binding of the horn. At first, the dragon had seemed to reject her, cursing numerous times as the mount bucked and rolled, having to use every muscle in her legs and having to hook herself tightly between spikes to not lose her seat as she had stupidly not secured the chains on the saddle in that moment. Eventually though, the dragon did accept her as her newest rider and now the beast may as well be a tiny kitten craving attention with how devoted they were to one another. Shaera would without question die for Midnight, and she knew Midnight would gladly give her own life for her.

Hence when she walked into the Dragonpit and she heard the excited yelp from the dragon as she exited one of the many tunnels buried deep within the ground, a massive smile formed on her face. Fingers trailing along the snout and feeling the boiling hot scales. Having no issue in strapping a saddle to her back and watching as she pressed her large body as flat as she could to make the climb onto her back easier. Quickly securing the chains and trying to remember which manse belonged to House Velraenos as she had never visited. With all manses of Dragonlord families being circular and in the same format as their council meetings. With all of House Velaryon and House Targaryen disappearing more than a decade prior, it meant the next occupied manse to the right had to be theirs.

At least the members of House Velraenos all appeared to be nice, and their dragons were much smaller than her own was. So if things got ugly, she'd at least have the opportunity to flee. Noticing the dark pink dragon that belonged to Rhaena that had striking silver coloured eyes and knowing she was at the correct destination. Landing her own mount and walking towards the manse. Not even reaching the door before Lord Freeholder Raemon walked out. He had taken over after his father died the year before, giving her a quizzical glance but allowing her inside all the same. Heading towards the centre where they had a large courtyard, spotting Rhaena attending to two hatchlings as their children ran around. Three boys and two girls, and judging by the roundness of Rhaena's belly she was carrying their sixth.

"Aemma, take your siblings inside whilst your father and I speak to our guest."

Aemma? That didn't sound like a Valyrian name. Making a note to herself to enquire about that later. The eldest girl shooing her brothers that Shaera noticed now were triplets given their identical features. Immediately wincing over the amount of pain birthing them must've been for the other woman.

"What brings you here, Shaera Vaelaleas? If it's in relation to your brother searching for a wife- "

"There is no need to worry about that, my husband has arranged a wedding in three days for Daelon with Alaenys Calaenyon. I wish to speak about the council meeting."

Both Rhaena and Raemon gave one another an odd look before ushering her inside, wondering where they were taking her before entering a small chamber. Questions being answered silently when she spotted the glass candle in the middle of the room. Very few people knew how the candles worked, and the few families who did know how they worked kept the knowledge to themselves. The door being closed behind them and locked for good measure.

"What questions do you have Shaera?"

"What happened to your House, House Targaryen, and House Tarennis?"

No words were spoken, instead Rhaena took a Valyrian steel dagger from somewhere, carving it into her palms and chanting quietly under her breath. Allowing a few droplets of blood to land in the brazier which immediately lit up. Where beforehand there was complete darkness, there wasn't anymore. A dim orange glow forming and watching as the flames steadily got closer to the glass candle. Feeding the frozen fire with its properties and soon coming alight.

"What?"

"Look into the fire, Shaera. Then I will answer your questions."

She turned to Raemon who nodded his head, not exactly feeling safe but deep down she knew neither meant ill will towards her. Turning her head and staring directly at the flame which was getting larger and larger, being able to feel the heat against her face. Images beginning to form, what looked like a volcano and a massive castle constructed of black stone.

"Dragonstone? Why are they there?"

A short yelp left her as she felt Raemon pluck a few hairs from the nape of her neck and throwing the few silver-gold locks into the flame, glaring his way as her hand reached to the back of her neck which was now stinging. The fire rising more and finally stilling in its dance so all she could see was a wall of orange. Images flashing now from frantic yelling between Daeron Tarennis and Haelor Skraenyx, to Laerion Haelithox stating something along the lines of siding with traitors to the Gods. To him being captured as he had tried to flee alongside his eldest son Taeron and locked in a sky tower. Alysanne fleeing with Aegon to alert the Targaryen's to what was happening. Feeling vomit beginning to make its way from her stomach but before that happened the flame suddenly disappeared. Noticing Raemon handing a glass of water her way which she took happily. Only noticing now that she was shaking.

"Daenys had a sight dream?"

"As did Alysanne. Both saw Valyria being destroyed by wrath of the Gods. Aenar brought it up in the council meeting prior to all of this alongside ourselves and my husbands House. No one believed her but their own House and my parents, aunt, and uncle. At least, until Alysanne escaped with Aegon after she confirmed that she had saw the same. House Caeniar jumped at the chance to take the top three spot again. You know they despised House Tarennis massively for taking their spot with finding that mine. My father and Lord Freeholder Aenar broke out Lord Freeholder Daeron and Taeron. By doing so- "

"They broke the will of the gods. Something which is punishable by death."

No other words needed to be said after this, slowly lowering herself until she was sitting down and sipping on the water as her mouth and throat suddenly felt incredibly dry.

"My husband has a horrible feeling about it all, do you think Daenys and Alysanne were right?"

"I don't know, Shaera. I really don't know. But the confirmation the molten rock is as close as it is to breaking the surface- there's at least some truth to their claims. Sight dreams aren't always necessarily accurate though."

That was all the confirmation she needed. Nodding her head and taking her leave. Midnight waiting for her as she always did as she made her way back to their own manse to report what she had been told. Whilst in the air, she let it all sink in. Suddenly realising that many Dragonlord's knew of what Daenys had spoken, and instead of looking into it had tried writing House Targaryen from their history. Aerion was waiting for her when she finally entered their own manse, eyebrows rising slightly as he waited on her response. So Shaera spoke. Explaining everything she had been told and watching as her husband steadily got redder and redder before promptly turning around and punching the wall hard. Knuckles bursting and blood streaming down his pale skin. Muttering under his breath all the while.

"How many people were warned? How many people have refused to say anything?"

"Surely you can't believe this Aerion- "

"I'm not saying I do, dearest wife. But do you not think it is strange how instead of looking into the claims a top three House is exiled alongside two lower tier House's? Rhaena is right, sight dreams aren't necessarily accurate but this doesn't mean they aren't at the least partially truthful. If it were one of them I could perhaps say otherwise, but two people having similar sight dreams? This combined with molten rock being at a level it never has been before? Surely you can see the correlation between the two."

Shaera opened her mouth to respond but as his words sunk in, a feeling of horror rippled through her. Suddenly understanding.

"You don't think Lord Haelor and Lord Laerion have known for a while and have tried to keep it quiet, do you?"

"Aye, I do. Think about it. House Caeniar are famous for having control over fire after practising blood magic normally banned for hundreds of years. They take the place of an exiled House and we are not made aware for years?"

Now that she had not considered. Anger beginning to burn deep inside and desperately wanting to release the inferno.

"So, what do we do?"

"There's nothing we can do. If House Tarennis was exiled simply for backing up a claim, I weep for what would come of our own House if we outright revolted. We will retreat to Mantarys at the end of the week. That gives us a few days to prepare and our brother to have a couple of days with his new bride."

Aerion Vaelaleas, 0AD, the Doom of Valyria.

Kerrax was flying overhead. Darting between caves with Midnight and Tyraxes close behind. His sons watching them with their own hatchlings perched on their shoulders although they had yet to gift them a name. Breathing in the fresh air of Mantarys and looking out over the lake at the base of the mountain their manse was situated on. It had been six months, but it truthfully felt like much longer.

He missed the hustle and bustle of the capital. Missed the food and the people and seeing hundreds of dragons flying overhead. To thousands of sky towers with open tops for dragons to nest in if they so wished although many preferred to make their nests close to the fourteen flames. Shaera on the other hand, slotted into their quiet life like a duckling to water. Not much made Aerion happy, but his wife being pleased was one of those things. At least they weren't wholly alone, as their manse was relatively close to House Dallaeron's in Elyria. Only a couple of hours on dragonback and they visited one another often and had even set up trades in Meereen which was expanding exponentially as were Astapor and Yunkai.

The relationship between said cities and Valyria was tumultuous to say the least. But as of right now, they were amicable with one another. The cities would provide them with spices and clothing whereas they would give them gems not found anywhere else in the world alongside their most experienced miners to see if anything hidden would come to the surface from the sand dunes surrounding the walls. So far, one new gem had been found. A deep red they had deemed to name garnet. Bringing them unimaginable amounts of wealth that was shared between the Freehold and the cities as people came from even as far as The Arbor to purchase.

It was a calm day, an oddly calm day if he dared say so. Whilst there was usually the sound of birds chirping or wind whistling lightly in the air, today there was none. He couldn't even hear any music from the streets of the large town on the other side of the mountain their manse was situated on. Whilst a very large town with a population nearing one hundred thousand, Mantarys was one of the smaller towns in the Freehold. Many didn't even consider it to be a part of the Freehold as they had not built it from the ground. Being there long before they had seized the city to add it to their domain. The locals even had their own language that he was trying to learn to converse with the people, but that would take years to get to that point. Silently cursing to himself for not having paid attention in language classes when he was a boy himself.

Daelon appeared not long after, standing beside him on the balcony with a few pieces of parchment. Quirking an eyebrow his way as Aerion rolled his eyes in annoyance but taking the rolls anyway. He had a lot of letters to write, but he had been putting it off for a long time. Always saying he was getting used to his new home and with two boisterous boys to look after. Something Daelon was going to find out the hard way in a few months as within seven weeks of his marriage to Alaenys, she had found out she was with babe. So was Shaera, if all went to plan both would go into labour within days of one another. Closing his eyes for a moment to enjoy the peace before moving to the desk he had on the balcony. Dipping the quill into the ink but noticing the inkpot was shaking slightly. Confusion running through him but he paid it no mind, perhaps some of the frozen fire had chipped off and thus it no longer being stable. Beginning to write the letter before Daelon came running out, complete panic on his face.

"Brother, we need to get into the shelters, now!"

Aerion looked up in confusion but did as his brother bid. Rarely was Daelon so serious, and he began to feel fear ebbing deep within him. Reaching to grab the inkpot only to see it was violently shaking. Now that he was really focused on it, he could feel the ground shaking below his feet.

"Ground shakes?"

"Ground shakes."

With that, Aerion ran alongside Daelon to find their wives, his sons and grandmother Saenyra. If she would budge that is, because all she ever did was weep since she had lost her dragon. It was something he himself never wished to experience nor did any dragon rider. Their dragons were a part of them just like they were a part of their dragons. Two souls combining as one when a bond was formed and when a bond was broken everyone stated it was like being torn apart in every direction. Alaenys was carrying one of his sons and he thanked her by nodding her way, Shaera appearing with their other son as they all got into the shelter high in the mountain which had a slit in the black stone to allow air within. Once inside, Aerion noticed his sons were crying, pulling both in tightly as this had been the first time they had witnessed ground shakes for themselves. Whilst they happened often in Valyria, his sons were four, and there had not been one for a long time. Kneeling down and trying to calm them down which succeeded somewhat when both stopped crying.

The shakes were noticeable now, thanking whoever in their family had built this manse with a shelter made of more than two foot thick walls of black stone. Whilst black stone was incredibly durable, many in Valyria found out the hard way that if the shakes were worse than usual, nothing was saved. Slowly sitting down on the ground so as not to lose his balance if he stood up and hurt himself in any way. At least, until a piercing cry came from Kerrax outside. Shaera giving him an odd look as she had never made that noise before. Using the thickness of the walls and standing at an angle as he moved towards the opening before hurtling back in utmost terror.

"Aerion? What's going on?"

"Blow the horn, we need to get all dragons back here immediately."

His grandmother whom he only noticed now was there stood up shakily to see what he was looking at, her own eyes widening in horror at the sight. Reaching for the parchment and writing down what he was seeing. Whilst the ground shakes were bad where they were, from their high position in the mountain, he could see almost the entire Valyrian peninsula. The further down, the harder the shakes were. Mountains collapsing, buildings collapsing, dragons letting out jets of flame either in fright or anger over what was happening. Midnight joined in with the crying, soon followed by Rhaelyx. The two hatchlings in the shelter flapping their wings as they clearly sensed the others feelings. What could cause the dragons to react as such?

"Aerion Vaelaleas, tell us what is going on- "

An almighty groan broke off his wife from continuing, all looking to one other in fright as they wondered what could have caused such a noise. The shakes intensifying and his sons crying again as they didn't understand what was happening. Nor did he, even for Valyria this was something that was unheard of. A thick cloud of smoke being shot into the air from up ahead and completely blocking out the sun, having to squint to see anything. It didn't seem to be heading their way though, which was a good thing. Just like that, the shakes stopped. An oddly calming sensation overcoming them all but now they had to wait on the after shakes. Usually coming a few minutes after the regular ones stopped.

Yet they didn't.

If he wasn't confused beforehand, he certainly was now. Turning to look out the gap again and ignoring his sons tugging on the bottom of his breeches asking to see what he was looking at. Saenyra's hands were white now as she was gripping the opening so tight, but he knew why. Beforehand there had been a singular plume of smoke. Yet now? It seemed to be all he could see. Clearing somewhat and eyes widening as he stepped back.

"It can't be- "

"Tell us Aerion!"

"The fourteen flames are erupting, that is what brother."

Daelon staggered back at that, not believing it slightly. Looking to his own wife before walking over to verify his claims of what he was seeing. A part of him wanted to deny it because the fourteen flames had never erupted. Being home to their Gods and if the volcanoes were erupting it meant the gods were throwing their wrath at them. But why would they? They were Valyrian's, chosen by the gods to rule the Freehold in their stead thousands of years prior.

"She was right, Daenys."

At first the voice didn't register but when it did he turned to his grandmother. Suddenly realising something and wanting to punch something at not realising it sooner. She was there when the fight broke out, when she had confirmed what she had dreamt. At the time his grandfather was still alive after outliving his own children. Baemala had died in childbed with Daelon, and their father drowned when his ship capsized a few years prior.

"What did she say? Do you remember it all or just parts of it?"

The words came out quickly and he noticed his voice was a little higher than it usually was. Watching in horrified fascination at what was happening.

"According to Lord Aenar, she dreamt of the fourteen erupting and destroying the city completely."

Hearing those words felt like he had been punched directly in the face. If he weren't watching what he was, he would've laughed at the absurdity of it all. Yet, here were the fourteen flames spewing their contents and unleashing their wrath. Remembering why they had left Valyria in the first place. Molten rock was terrifyingly close to the surface. If it was close to the surface then where was it? One requirement for slaves and owners was to know how volcanoes worked and how to know when to immediately leave for whatever reason. Molten rock usually exited as well. A loud bang broke him from his thoughts as both himself and Saenyra staggered back. The shakes beginning to start again but nowhere near the extent as they had been previously. Wondering what the noise was this time. It was Alaenys who confirmed what it was when she walked over to the opening.

"His Almighty Baerax just exploded, molten rock is flowing fast down all sides."

What was possessing him to write down what was occurring he knew nought. Perhaps it was to distract himself from what was occurring. If His Almighty Baerax had exploded, that wasn't good. He was the God of their Gods. If he was angry, all Gods were angry too by default. Further loud bangs echoing from where they sat and Shaera muttering a spell under her breath after cutting into her thumb with a small blade to spread over their sons foreheads. Whilst her magic wasn't strong, for what she was using it for it was enough. Both boys slumping over in a deep sleep so they would not be witness to the catastrophe. No words needed to be spoken, Alaenys nodding when they turned to her over the further noise.

"All of them?"

"All of them, goodbrother."

No words were spoken after this, all looking to one another with an expression neither thought they would ever possess.

"What do we do then? It appears we're far enough away from what is happening to be affected ourselves but the others?"

"We know for certainty some aren't affected. House Dallaeron whilst not as far away as ourselves are still far enough away to be hit. Then there's House Tarennis, Targaryen, Velaryon, Mellarys, and Celtigar."

"And House Caeniar and Rhaentheon. They've been in Volantis for a few weeks discussing trades. Or at least, a large portion of each House have been. Now I'm thinking on it so are House Velraenos, they've been in Myr putting down a rebellion."

The loud bangs had finally stopped, Aerion walking over to look at what was going on and having to fight back tears. Molten rock was now flowing freely from the exposed tops of the fourteen flames all across the lower portion of the peninsula. Moving so fast he knew the chance of anyone still in the city escaping was almost non-existent.

"Get to the dragons, we will head for Elyria to speak to House Dallaeron. From there, we will decide what to do."

Aerion Vaelaleas, 3 days after the Doom.

The molten rock had still not let up. Still flowing freely down the sides of the fourteen flames and massive waves swooping over where the capital city was alongside neighbouring cities. Oros was not spared either, despite being north of the volcanoes they were too close and now they were smoking. The air was thick with smoke, almost making it difficult to breathe but he thanked his ancestors who built this manse so high up they were still granted fresh air. Gliding through the air and cradling one of his sons under his chest with one of Shaera's spells to keep him asleep whilst she had their other son. Both agreeing neither needed to witness what had happened and was still happening.

It broke him, knowing he would need to tell them soon that they would never see their school friends again. Both had been very social and curious children, wanting to speak to anyone and everyone. How does one explain to two four-year-old's that the place they had spent much of their young lives in was nought but a ruin now? But there was no need to say anything yet, noticing the dark orange dragon that if he remembered correctly was Haemon Dallaeron's mount. Momentarily stunned at the sheer size of the beast as it made their own look tiny. Landing in the courtyard and spotting said man running over and noticeably sighing in relief.

"Thank the Gods, not all of us perished."

That was all the confirmation he had watched the destruction himself.

"How bad is it, Haemon? Whilst we can see decently from Mantarys we're still too far away to see the amount of destruction."

All were signalled inside now, seeing Haemon's three wives Rhaena, Baela, and Laera sitting down on the ground with their numerous sons and daughters running around. Rhaena ushering all the children our by ordering a slave to take them elsewhere. Shaera releasing their own boys from the spell and they ran after the Dallaeron children. Haemon walked over and offered them all some wine, and this immediately made him feel bad. Aerion and Haemon were close as boys themselves, and Haemon had always been averse to alcohol of any kind for some reason. If he was willingly indulging in the substance, it meant they were about to be told something horrible.

"Laera flew over yesterday to see what the damage was. The simplest way I can put it is Valyria is no more. The entire peninsula has been blown to pieces and the water that has filled said areas is apparently boiling so much from molten rock it will be a surprise if seafood can even survive. There aren't even any dragons flying the skies anymore."

What? No dragons flying in the sky? It took a few moments for those words to sink in but once they did he promptly leaned over and began hacking the sweet wine up. A slave running over to clean the mess as he slowly lowered himself to the ground as did Shaera, Alaenys, and Daelon.

"We were preparing to head for Volantis to speak to House Caeniar and Rhaentheon at the end of the week. If you would like to join us you are more than welcome to do so, dear friend."

Luckily for Aerion, it was already near the end of the week. The day they were leaving coming almost as quick as blinking. All mounting their dragons and ensuring his sons were strapped in and momentarily being shocked at seeing Haemon's six-year-old atop one. Confirming the dragon was mostly grown and had been fascinated by the babe when he had been born and accepting him as his rider a few months prior. Not that precautions weren't taken, noticing the child had much more chains attached to the saddle than the adults had. His other seven children strapped in alongside their parents and multiple hatchlings flying alongside their own two hatchlings which had already bonded with his own sons. It didn't take too long to arrive in Volantis, around five days of solid travel and stopping every few hours to eat, drink, and allow the dragons to hunt.

Volantis was the daughter of Valyria. One of the first outposts as the Freehold grew in size and influence. With many people who lived in the city coming from noble lines within the capital and had opted not to leave. Many of the buildings glittering black as the light bounced off the black stone and equally as many carved from pale marble of those who could afford the finer things in life. The massive Temple of the Lord of Light being visible from many miles away both on foot and even further on dragonback. Whilst Dragonlord's themselves were incredibly faithful to their own fourteen Gods, there was no pressure on the cities ruled by the Freehold to keep to the same beliefs. Thus, the Freehold had dozens of different religions. Ships were in the harbour and when he flew a little closer spotted numerous banners of House's from across the narrow sea who were known to trade in the largest city and even as far as Qarth on occasion if stories were to be believed. Kerrax letting out a loud roar as they descended closer to the arena that had been built for dragon riders to land safely without disturbing everyone else in the city.

A cloud of dust swept up as nine dragons landed side by side and just as many hatchlings fluttering their tiny wings and snapping angrily at the air as they were temporarily blinded. The arena had been one of the first buildings their ancestors had ordered constructed. Whilst the city itself was more than three thousand years old and was not only a military outpost anymore, there was no denying that was what Volantis had initially been built for. An ancient form of architecture that was only seen in a handful of areas of Valyria as the capital had grown more than fifty times its size at the time. Multiple slaves poured from the tunnels now and bowed their heads at seeing them, greeting them as their Holiness as custom dictated.

"Lord Freeholder Naemon Rhaentheon and Lord Freeholder Galaenor Caeniar were tasked to high importance missions, are they still in the city?"

The younger slave with jet black hair and striking purple eyes nodded her head lightly. At first wondering why she did not speak alongside the others but another slave commented she'd had her tongue ripped out with hot pincers for attempting to break free of her owner a few years prior. The teardrop tattoo on her face confirming the girl was a pillow slave, likely one that fetched a lot of coin because despite her not having silver-gold hair there was no denying the blood of Valyria ran strong in this one. The slaves offered to take them to their owners so they could then be taken to the oldest part of Volantis in the east. The area sectioned off by a large black wall and only those who had definitive blood ties to Valyrian's were permitted to live in. Said area being filled with temples, bridges, and palaces. To a small arena where they could convene for meetings if they were not close to the capital before taking their agreements and suggestions to the top three families.

Had anyone else escaped? It was a question he would get an answer to relatively soon. After this, they would travel to Myr to meet House Velraenos as due to them being so far out they probably weren't aware of what had occurred. Not unless Rhaena had taken her glass candles with her. Something which had stunned him when his wife had stated she possessed enough magic to work them. Their dragons all flew away to make a nest somewhere up the Rhoyne- the river being granted to Volantis in the aid against Prince Garin's final attack which ended the Rhoynish for good. Well, other than Princess Nymeria who had escaped Ny Sar. Even now where she had gone was unknown, the woman likely having used water magic to keep themselves hidden from the Freehold as they looked for somewhere to settle.

Aerion had only visited Volantis once himself and he had been a young boy at the time. His father taking him here not long after Daelon was born as he wished for him to see more of the world so as not to become 'bubbled' as he had put it by remaining solely in the capital. At the time this had confused him, but as he got older he thanked his father for doing so as he was more rounded in the ways of the Freehold as a result. The Long Bridge seemed so much longer than he remembered. Connecting the modernised western portion of the city to the older eastern side of the city. With shops piled atop one another with rickety ladders to each vendor and even some homes for those who could not afford to live elsewhere.

It took a long time to cross from one side to the other, making a note to himself to discuss building a second arena in the east so they did not need to make such a long journey to get to their destination should they visit Volantis again. Once they were no longer on the bridge however, the difference in the structure of the city was striking. All roads being made of black stone from dozens of dragons letting loose their flames until regular stone melted. Being kept to singular pathways by ancient magic that had been lost to time so as not to interfere with the buildings themselves. Then it was left for numerous days to harden and leaving a perfectly smooth surface. Three men waiting for them beside the black wall wearing seemingly dozens of gold chains around their neck and the finest silk that Myr could offer. Covered head to toe in glittering jewels but whether they were genuine or mimic stones he could not tell as it was not a trade he had ever taken an interest in.

The three men introduced themselves then, realisation washing over him. Marqelo Tagaros, Trianna Maegyr, and Helicho Garemon. The three Triarch's of the city. Three ancient families that had been chosen by Valyrian's to oversee the rise of the city in its early days of being built and each being granted a palace as a gift for good work done. All bowing their heads as they were allowed past the black wall and snorting in amusement at the pale green and lavender hatchlings following his sons. All were taken into a massive palace that made even House Skraenyx's manse look small. With five floors and carved completely out of pristine white marble, sandstone, and black stone. Wondering which of the Triarch's this palace belonged to. There was no time to question such though as they were guided inside and offered refreshments which all happily accepted. A slave appearing a few minutes later carrying a basket of the freshest fruits alongside a large hug of iced water with lemon slices floating within.

The inside of the palace was even more lavish than the outside was. The carpets being such a bright shade of purple it almost didn't appear to be real. Marble tiles surrounding the walls and numerous gold decorations on the walls. Paintings from the most skilled artists hanging and chandeliers of crystals hanging from the ceilings too. Never had Aerion seen such wealth and it unsettled him someone who was not a Dragonlord had wealth as such. Of course he knew it had likely been small gifts over thousands of years, but that didn't make it any less impressive. Galaenor Caeniar was visible now, turning his head towards them at hearing their footsteps before almost collapsing to the ground in worship. Something he himself was tempted to do too as relief washed over him in a way he never would've thought was possible. His wife Rhae appearing now who was cousin through their fathers as neither parent had been blessed with more than one babe.

"What happened? We tried to get close but our dragons refused to go farther than the westernmost section of the peninsula- "

"Valyria is no more. My wife was able to fly close to the eastern side with a lot of coaxing of her own dragon. It's all gone."

From the look the two shared, it was obvious they had feared the worst and they had just confirmed it.

"What actually happened? We felt the ground shakes and we saw the smoke but nothing else- "

Now, Aerion stepped forward. Handing over the parchment in which he had written everything down in as much detail as he could muster. The man twice his age reading the words and going paler each sentence.

"Oh thank the Gods."

His head snapped to the side a moment too late before he felt a massive weight on his side. Laeraena Rhaentheon jumping on his back in utmost joy as her husband Naemon watched amused from nearby.

"What do we do then? If there's nothing to go back to that is."

That was why they had come here. Not only to meet with the other families who had been lucky to not be near the city to meet the fate of the poor souls who had been in the city.

"House Velraenos are in Myr. And there are five other House's if you're forgetting- "

"Six House's."

At hearing this, confusion whirled in his mind. Wondering what was meant by that. Laeraena looking to her husband and he nodded, confirming that it was partially the reason they had been here.

"House Rhaeleris has risen again."

If he wasn't confused beforehand he certainly was now. That was a name that had not been spoken in decades. Having been tasked to a mission and then no word was spoken of them ever since. Seemingly vanishing into thin air.

"How?"

"Thousands of escaped slaves stole many of their ships and have settled in the north west of Essos. They went there to find out what they were doing only to find a city hidden amongst numerous mountains. A city being run by freed slaves."

The word freed was spoken with such distaste because slavery was something that had been a thing for millenia in the Freehold. Not being able to comprehend a city where there wasn't one.

"And?"

"They run the city, Lord Freeholder Aerion. Valyrian's! Dragonlord's! allowing a city to have no slaves? It's preposterous and not at all what our incredible Freehold is!"

"Fourteen hells, Galaenor. Whether we like it or not they're not causing any harm. Due to them not being in the city they are survivors of what has happened. Therefore binds us through shared experiences- "

"If you think I will allow this- "

"Good luck, because there are no top positions left you fool. Valyria is destroyed, the peninsula in pieces according to Laera and Aerion. It's high time we make amends. The first of which is with House Tarennis."

Galaenor turned bright red at his wife's words but smartly decided not to say anything further on the matter. Clearly wanting to save face and confirming that even though House Tarennis had fled Valyria more than a decade prior, there was still a lot of resentment between the two House's.

"In case you're forgetting Galaenor, we were warned of this. Both by Alysanne Tarennis and Daenys Targaryen. We laughed them off believing the claims to be false but look who is laughing now. If you want to go on your fools errand do so, but I will not be coming with you- "

She was shut up when her husbands fist connecting with her cheek. Rhae tightening her lips and staring at her husband with such distaste he did not want to prod further. Clearly the cousins disliked one another massively and likely were wed for custom and not for any other reason. Galaenor storming away and leaving them alone.

"Are you okay, Rhae?"

"Aye, you don't need to worry yourself Alaenys. My cousin and I have never gotten along. The only thing we agree on is our four sons and five daughters. The idiot wants to take us all to Valyria and use our magic to stop the molten rock, he does not want to listen to reason."

He what? Clearly the mans pride was worse then his fathers. He'd never met Taerelon Caeniar himself, but his father spoke about the man frequently and just how damned stubborn he was.

"You seriously don't believe he will do so, do you?"

"It wouldn't surprise me. Ever since it happened he's been ranting on how glorious our House is because House Skraenyx and House Haelithox are nothing but corpses thus leaving us the only remaining top House."

"And if he does?"

It went quiet for a few moments as Rhae thought it over.

"Then by law I would need to follow him as would our children. Our grandchildren too but neither have bonded with a dragon so cannot travel with us. As much as I hate him, he is my husband whether I like it or not."

A few days passed since this talk. Galaenor finally calming down and joining them to discuss travelling to Myr and how to make their way further west. Whilst Rhaena Velaryon had confirmed House Tarennis, Velaryon, and Targaryen were on Dragonstone, there was no knowledge on where House Celtigar and House Mellarys were situated. All they did know was that it was not Essos. After a lot of deliberation it was agreed Haemon and his wives would travel north to where House Rhaeleris had risen to meet with them whereas all others would travel to Dragonstone. All discussing on how best to go around this because they knew they would get a hostile reaction. Like Rhae had said, they had all laughed at the claims Daenys and Alysanne had made. Yet now those two were the ones laughing. The Caeniar's would remain behind in Myr however should House Velraenos need aid in putting down the Myrish rebellion where the Magister's had gotten too daring and were attempting to break free from the clutches of the Freehold.

On the seventh day on arriving in Volantis, all were atop their dragons and heading to their destinations. Neither knowing exactly what would happen now as without Valyria there was no Freehold. With no Freehold they weren't as mighty as they had been for thousands of years. What did this make them? The next few years were going to be trialling to say the least, and he hoped despite all the negativity there was displayed that they would be able to get over past grudges and make amends. All flew to Myr first where the Dallaeron's broke off to head north up the coast, searching for a city that had somehow gone unnoticed for however long. Meeting with Rhaena Velaryon and her children and when she heard what had happened had snapped her head to Raemon. Her husband giving her the authority to travel with them alongside their children.

Despite being heavy with babe, this did not stop her. Her dragon gliding through the sky at a speed he didn't dare travel. Whether she was showing off or if her dragon was just naturally quick was unknown though. Aerion didn't dare once to look below, not liking flying above water since his father had drowned. Heck, for weeks afterwards he had been terrified of water in general and had to be forced to bathe by his grandmother. She had opted to remain behind in Volantis, the short time she had been on Daelon's dragon strapped in behind him breaking what little life she had left in her as she was reminded of her own mount she had lost. Then Kerrax began lowering. Closing his eyes as fear rippled through him as they got closer and closer to the water. Being stunned as the dragon landed on the ground and breathing a sigh of relief. Looking around to see a large town nearby alongside a volcano with a monstrous black castle at the base. A shadow enveloping them as he snapped his head up and staggering back in shock. He remembered Balerion well, the mount of Aenar Targaryen. Many Dragonlord's spoke about the mount jealously and now he knew why. He was huge. His wings almost engulfing the town in its shadow and seeing four other dragons chasing one another that belonged to his wives and children. All making their way towards the castle and were greeted by many guards. After introducing themselves one disappeared inside to fetch the occupants and noticing a few more dragons now. Wondering to himself which dragon belonged to who.

"What brings you to Dragonstone, Aerion?"

For a moment he was incensed at not being greeted by his title. But then he remembered he had become Lord Freeholder after they had left, they would be unaware. Lord Freeholder Aenar stood tall with his children on either side and his wives between each child. Eyes widening as he took in who could only be Alyssa given her stark beauty that even Alaenys didn't come close to despite being considered such after they had left.

"It's all gone."

The older man closed his eyes before turning to his daughter with a grim expression. Whilst a small move, it confirmed that he didn't wholly believe her sight dream either. Yet now it had come true. All being allowed inside and the dark interior made the entire place feel even gloomier than it looked from the outside. Being escorted into what appeared to be a dining hall as Aenar snapped his fingers to a slave to bring them refreshments and prepare extra food for their guests.

"It is good to see you again Rhaena, this can't be Aemma surely?"

She stood up before promptly running to Daenys and hugging her tightly. Remembering they were of a similar age and they were blood as their fathers were cousins.

"This is Aemma, Jacaerys, Gaeremon, Rhaegar, and Maelela."

"Triplets? One was bad enough for me. Did our aunt come with you?"

It went silent for a moment, confusion whirring his mind at the conversation. Rhaena looking to the ground and shaking her head.

"I almost bled out giving birth to the boys. She was old already and she offered to trade- "

"Only death can pay for life."

"And only life can pay for death."

Understanding dawned on him now. Whilst it was known Haela Targaryen had died a few years prior it was never confirmed how she had died. The woman had sacrificed herself so her great grandchildren and granddaughter would live.

"Rhae?!"

Where the yell had come from he knew nought but suddenly a younger male jumped on her, only pulling away at seeing the roundness of her belly.

"Aemon?! Oh thank the Gods, I haven't seen you in more than a decade. Look how big you are now! Is Laera here? Are our parents, uncle, and aunt here?- "

"Yes, yes, and yes. They settled on Driftmark, an island close by. We have two more siblings too, Laenor and Elaesa."

Suddenly the joy made sense. Raemon spoke often of how much his wife had missed her siblings, parents, aunt, and uncle. Clearly this was her younger brother, the age difference being obvious to all and realising why she had not wed her brother as custom dictated. There had to be more than a decade between the two and she was likely already wed or at the least betrothed before he had been born. Unfortunately the joy was short lived as slaves entered carrying a lot of food and placing it on the table before leaving. Reaching over and tearing a duck wing dripping in honey and spices and almost moaning at the taste.

"Did anyone else get free? And how did you escape? I'm assuming when you said it's all gone, you mean it."

There was a momentary pause as they continued eating. Noticing three children joining and it didn't take a genius to realise they were Daenys' and Gaemon's children. Naemon looking to them and quirking an eyebrow up before returning to eating. Sipping on a dark red wine and asking where it had come from as he had never tasted one like such before.

"It's a Dornish Red. Whilst we have a lot of bad blood with the Dornish there is no denying they make great wine."

Who were the Dornish? A question that was asked by Laeraena and when they confirmed they were Rhoynish descendants anger flooded through him. Right now though there was much more pressing matters at hand.

"I'm sorry for laughing during that meeting, Lord Freeholder Aenar- "

"Don't apologise to me, Lord Freeholder Naemon. Apologise to my daughter as it was her claims you laughed at. I'd imagine Lord Freeholder Taeron will demand the same for Lady Freeholder Alysanne when they arrive back from visiting Claw Isle."

He seemed insulted at the remark but thought better of it. Turning to Daenys and apologising formally which she accepted, shooting a look to her own husband as clearly he wasn't so accepting as she was.

"To answer your earlier question, ourselves, House Dallaeron, House Caeniar, House Velraenos, and House Rhaeleris survive."

"I thought House Rhaeleris all died out on whatever mission they were sent on?"

"Apparently not. They've taken over a city run by freed slaves that no one knew existed in the north west of Essos. That's where the Dallaeron's have gone whereas the Caeniar's remained behind in Myr with Rhaena's husband to end their stupid rebellion."

This fact stunned the Targaryen's. All looking to one another oddly before shrugging and continuing eating.

"Are the Celtigar's and Mellarys' still around?"

"Aye. House Mellarys are settled on Blood Stone. A large island in the Stepstones whereas the Celtigar's are on Claw Isle. Claw Isle is further north from here and a part of Westeros, both were fully exiled so cannot even step foot on Dragonstone. Well, I supposed this has changed now. So that leaves eleven families? Only ten of which have dragons?"

"Who doesn't have dragons?"

"The Celtigar's. Due to their exile they had no choice but to accept marriages with Westerosi Lord's and King's. Their magic is too weak to bond with a dragon now."

This stunned them. Before their exile House Celtigar were relatively high in their hierarchy. Whilst far from a top position they still held a lot of influence. For a House as noble as theirs to stoop so low they could not bond with a dragon was a thought neither would've considered.

"They didn't wed one another as custom dictates?"

"They couldn't. They had four generations where there was only one girl in each. Jaelerya and Aeryn had five boys and one girl. Four of their boys only had boys and the other had one girl. They couldn't preserve the line even with remaining within our custom. Mayhaps it was punishment for their actions but we'll never know."

It was quiet at this, neither knowing what to say and it struck Aerion now just how amicable everyone was. All clearly of the same mind despite no words being spoken. Past grudges aside, they were some of a handful of House's that had survived. They were bound to one another now.

"What are your children's names? I'm assuming your boy is betrothed to whichever girl is older?"

"I'm Aegon, my tended Elaena, and sister Naerys."

The high pitched voice brought a smile to their face alongside the missed word. Clearly meaning to say intended and not tended.

"Do you have someone in mind for your younger daughter?"

"Is that a request, Lord Freeholder Naemon?"

The tone Alyssa was using had a joking tone to it but a silence fell on them now. Naemon had two grandsons and one granddaughter, all of a similar age from the looks of it. Turning his head towards the two boys who were too busy tucking into a syrup soaked pastry and paying no attention to the conversation.

"So what if it is, Lady Freeholder Alyssa?"

That was Laeraena who spoke, realising now they were serious. Naemon clearing his throat to catch his grandchildren's attention and getting a simple nod from his own children they would accept the match.

"Raerion is betrothed to Jaelessa here, but Gaelor does not have an intended yet. He is five years old."

"The same age as our youngest. What do you think Gaem? You've been awfully quiet during this talk."

"I'm always quiet sweet sister."

Maeressa smacked her son over the head at this, him glaring her way and his father chuckling in amusement at the encounter.

"What if we have another daughter?"

"Gaelor can have two wives then. It would be a good match, you cannot deny such dearest husband."

No, he most certainly could not. House Targaryen were in the lower positions in their hierarchy. Anyone would jump at the chance to wed a Rhaentheon as they were much higher and held an awful lot of influence as a result. Were they as high as House Caeniar or House Tarennis? Nay, they were not. Aside from House Celtigar they were the next top House.

"If you believe it will be a good match, sweet sister, then I consent. Once Naerys flowers she will wed Gaelor Rhaentheon."

A sigh of relief left him at this. The agreement confirming what he thought to be the case. Perhaps they would be able to rebuild what they had but that would have to wait until all surviving House's agreed to meet somewhere. All being offered quarters in the castle and watching numerous dragons chasing and playfully nipping at one another.