Wrathion, Prince of the Black Dragonflight (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
undertheweight) wrote2025-05-24 10:55 am
undertheweight) wrote2025-05-24 10:55 am
"Even I do not always keep buried what I should." Like his father; Wrathion can still bring Deathwing up from time to time. Especially when he knows that he should forget about the Mad Aspect; forget his name, let him stay dead in the Maelstrom where he fell. But it's difficult. It was a part of what made him who he was, now.
Wrathion's brows arch at that, and his lips curve slightly into a very small smile. "While I think the rulers might have an...issue with what I would do to him, your thoughts are not incorrect. Roasting him alive would be swift, but I could always alternate. Once would not be enough for what he did to you. Not for my tastes."
Because he could be a vengeful little shit. Really, he was, but there was not much here that evoked that tendency in him. But he breathed out, in not quite a sigh.
"I am still young, especially by the judgement of my kind. I may not always understand, Sansa. But I do trust that you will help get things I need to understand through my hard head."
Wrathion's brows arch at that, and his lips curve slightly into a very small smile. "While I think the rulers might have an...issue with what I would do to him, your thoughts are not incorrect. Roasting him alive would be swift, but I could always alternate. Once would not be enough for what he did to you. Not for my tastes."
Because he could be a vengeful little shit. Really, he was, but there was not much here that evoked that tendency in him. But he breathed out, in not quite a sigh.
"I am still young, especially by the judgement of my kind. I may not always understand, Sansa. But I do trust that you will help get things I need to understand through my hard head."
"I am quite good at making people understand things," Sansa says, laughing quietly. "Except, apparently, Kelson Haldane."
Sansa is willing to work for it because she thinks that Kelson is a good person at heart but he does require a lot of work sometimes.
"It comes with being a queen. You learn to negotiate things with as much aplomb as you are able."
Sansa is willing to work for it because she thinks that Kelson is a good person at heart but he does require a lot of work sometimes.
"It comes with being a queen. You learn to negotiate things with as much aplomb as you are able."
"I am not certain anyone is good at making Kelson Haldane understand anything. I think I may have gotten through to him? But I am definitely not going to count on it."
The young man has certainly taxed Wrathion's patience; were he a lesser dragon, Kelson might simply be a crisp somewhere. At least for a time.
He snorted, then. "Yes, you are. And I am a diplomat, so one would think that I should be able to do the same, but I suppose it is my relative youth that has me falling short, at times."
Even when that irritated him. It certainly did.
The young man has certainly taxed Wrathion's patience; were he a lesser dragon, Kelson might simply be a crisp somewhere. At least for a time.
He snorted, then. "Yes, you are. And I am a diplomat, so one would think that I should be able to do the same, but I suppose it is my relative youth that has me falling short, at times."
Even when that irritated him. It certainly did.
I have spoken to Her Royal Highness, and as I had thought, she has reclaimed her necklace. It's probably for the best.
In truth, Aemond, we may pursue your path, but if there is any danger of the flute breaking in this endeavor? I trust you to keep it. Even if neither of us ever learn to play it, I would rather it be whole and in your care, than in pieces and split between us both.
In truth, Aemond, we may pursue your path, but if there is any danger of the flute breaking in this endeavor? I trust you to keep it. Even if neither of us ever learn to play it, I would rather it be whole and in your care, than in pieces and split between us both.
"It is a work in progress. A project, if you will. I would say he is as dense as my sister Arya but she is all subtlety and shadows and I do not think Kelson could do anything in private if it saved his life."
Sansa shakes her head. "But we did not decide to have dinner to discuss him so I suppose I should tell you I am working on new dresses. I have decided to stop wearing black. Not always - sometimes it is appropriate - but I have decided it is no longer necessary to bind myself in mourning and austerity."
Sansa shakes her head. "But we did not decide to have dinner to discuss him so I suppose I should tell you I am working on new dresses. I have decided to stop wearing black. Not always - sometimes it is appropriate - but I have decided it is no longer necessary to bind myself in mourning and austerity."
Aemond??
[Yes, Wrathion absolutely felt that. Likely, Aemond can feel his concern in turn.]
Aemond. Arman gave Queen Sunna a gift, and she gave him the necklace. It was not mine to keep, though he entrusted me with it. You have the flute; I have memories of our brother. It suffices. I am content.
[Yes, Wrathion absolutely felt that. Likely, Aemond can feel his concern in turn.]
Aemond. Arman gave Queen Sunna a gift, and she gave him the necklace. It was not mine to keep, though he entrusted me with it. You have the flute; I have memories of our brother. It suffices. I am content.
"Oh, he might be able to do something privately--for a short time, and then once it was done to his satisfaction, we would all know about it. At times, that isn't a bad thing, though." Considering Wrathion was guilty of that himself, he didn't exactly feel right mocking Kelson for it.
Sansa's next comment had him arching his brows. Not that this was a bad thing, but--he pauses. Wrathion did understand why humans chose to wear black. He was uncertain if it was something he should inquire about, though. He definitely thought that it was not her former husband she had been in mourning for, after all.
"That...I hope that is a good thing?" the dragon ventures, cautious. "To simply make a selfish comment, I think you would be positively stunning in almost any shade of green."
Sansa's next comment had him arching his brows. Not that this was a bad thing, but--he pauses. Wrathion did understand why humans chose to wear black. He was uncertain if it was something he should inquire about, though. He definitely thought that it was not her former husband she had been in mourning for, after all.
"That...I hope that is a good thing?" the dragon ventures, cautious. "To simply make a selfish comment, I think you would be positively stunning in almost any shade of green."
Sansa blushes at the compliment and the suggestion that she wear green. "Green it is, to start then. I hope I won't be making a political statement with it or anything because color can always mean something to people but I'd quite like a green dress."
She thinks for a moment. "I used to wear blue as well. I miss wearing blue. I stopped wearing it because it reminded me too much of my mother and I grew sad at the thought of her."
She thinks for a moment. "I used to wear blue as well. I miss wearing blue. I stopped wearing it because it reminded me too much of my mother and I grew sad at the thought of her."
[ After the events with the hydra, a very concerned message comes through. ]
Where are you?
[ He's clearly too stressed and worried to type. It's unusual for him. ]
Where are you?
[ He's clearly too stressed and worried to type. It's unusual for him. ]
[ When no response comes back, Aemond does the reasonable thing and spams him.
You have 7 missed calls and the following unread messages: ]
You're testing my patience.
Don't make me hunt you down.
You don't get to do this, do you understand me?
We leave this godsforsaken pit together or we don't leave at all.
WRATHION YOU IDIOT.
That's it. I'm coming for you.
You have 7 missed calls and the following unread messages: ]
You're testing my patience.
Don't make me hunt you down.
You don't get to do this, do you understand me?
We leave this godsforsaken pit together or we don't leave at all.
WRATHION YOU IDIOT.
That's it. I'm coming for you.
[The Leaf is literally shimmying in excitement: it is helping and it knows it. For his part, Wrathion looks at it, bleary-eyed and groaning.]
You, stop that this minute, or I'll eat you. [That's a growl.]
Aemond. You may call me an idiot, but I'm not dying. I promise you. I only wish I were.
Let us say I was...unaware of the effects the blood of that beast would have upon me. Are you and your family all right? Is Sansa safe??
If you can find her, would you tell her I am... [Wrathion has to pause, here, because he does not want to worry her. At least not more worried than she is likely to be, already...]
Tell her you can find me, because Aspects know you likely can. And I am...urgh. Well enough? Still in the realm of the living, at the very least.
You, stop that this minute, or I'll eat you. [That's a growl.]
Aemond. You may call me an idiot, but I'm not dying. I promise you. I only wish I were.
Let us say I was...unaware of the effects the blood of that beast would have upon me. Are you and your family all right? Is Sansa safe??
If you can find her, would you tell her I am... [Wrathion has to pause, here, because he does not want to worry her. At least not more worried than she is likely to be, already...]
Tell her you can find me, because Aspects know you likely can. And I am...urgh. Well enough? Still in the realm of the living, at the very least.
[ He isn't thrilled, but Gods is he relieved. Aemond is quiet as he processes all of this, a deep frown on his face. He's still experiencing his own pain after everything, but he's certainly well enough for this. His aches are old anyway. ]
I doubt she'll be pleased to hear you're willing everyone away. [ It's easier to focus on the feelings of others and not his own. ] I'm coming all the same.
What do you prefer eating in your dragon form? What else might you need to make you comfortable? I can easily fetch those things.
I doubt she'll be pleased to hear you're willing everyone away. [ It's easier to focus on the feelings of others and not his own. ] I'm coming all the same.
What do you prefer eating in your dragon form? What else might you need to make you comfortable? I can easily fetch those things.
( Sansa agonizes over whether to send a message at all and then what she should say in said message. She edits it over and over and she is quite glad that messages via Leaf do not show the scratching of a quill and the crossing out of words, only the final draft of what intends. Finally, she settles on something that seems appropriate and not too forward of her even if she and Wrathion are something between friends and lovers. )
Dearest Wrathion, I hope my message finds you well. I have not heard from you yet but I dare to assume that you are all right, simply indisposed, and that I will hear from you in due time. My brother has already found me to tell me that he is safe.
Cordially,
Sansa Stark, Queen in the North.
Dearest Wrathion, I hope my message finds you well. I have not heard from you yet but I dare to assume that you are all right, simply indisposed, and that I will hear from you in due time. My brother has already found me to tell me that he is safe.
Cordially,
Sansa Stark, Queen in the North.
Only until I'm certain the effects are gone, Aemond. I do not think I am likely to harm anyone, but do you truly think I wish to take that chance?
[It is terribly easy to look impassive as a dragon; his facial features and muzzle do not lend themselves easily to things like anguish. But if Wrathion harmed anyone--especially someone he cared about, due to things beyond his control? It is the stuff of his darkest nightmares.]
I have some things here, and I am close enough to the ocean that I've been fishing. You needn't go out of your way. [A pause, then.] Though if you choose to, perhaps some fruit, or something else that isn't fish?
[He does sound a bit pleading, there.] Thank you, Aemond.
[It is terribly easy to look impassive as a dragon; his facial features and muzzle do not lend themselves easily to things like anguish. But if Wrathion harmed anyone--especially someone he cared about, due to things beyond his control? It is the stuff of his darkest nightmares.]
I have some things here, and I am close enough to the ocean that I've been fishing. You needn't go out of your way. [A pause, then.] Though if you choose to, perhaps some fruit, or something else that isn't fish?
[He does sound a bit pleading, there.] Thank you, Aemond.
[ Aemond snorts, but he does understand. Probably far better than Wrathion realizes.
There are sounds of him walking, then speaking in a low tone to someone, then shuffling. He's packing a bag. ]
Fruit it is. And don't thank me yet. I haven't given you nearly as much trouble as I plan to. You're not out of this yet.
There are sounds of him walking, then speaking in a low tone to someone, then shuffling. He's packing a bag. ]
Fruit it is. And don't thank me yet. I haven't given you nearly as much trouble as I plan to. You're not out of this yet.
[Weakly, as he's had something of a rough ride from this particular trip...] Not too much trouble, I hope.
But I shall still thank you. I figured that I would just stumble back into town when I could. Since you are looking for me, I may assume that Jacaerys and Rhaenyra are also unscathed from the tribulations of that beast? And Jon and my lady?
[Because of course Wrathion is going to ask. There are others he'll inquire after, but maybe after he can reliably cast his Visage spell and have hands again.]
But I shall still thank you. I figured that I would just stumble back into town when I could. Since you are looking for me, I may assume that Jacaerys and Rhaenyra are also unscathed from the tribulations of that beast? And Jon and my lady?
[Because of course Wrathion is going to ask. There are others he'll inquire after, but maybe after he can reliably cast his Visage spell and have hands again.]
[ He snorts, but doesn't reply to that first comment. Wrathion will feel his amusement, though. He's teasing. ]
All are alive and relatively unscathed, Gods be good. Most of us didn't attempt fighting the beast directly. [ Aemond would have made a comment about Wrathion's use of my lady, but he lets it go for now. ]
They will expect to hear from you once you're feeling well enough. But I'll pass the news to them in the meantime. [ A pause. ] You're important to us. Remember that, Wrathion.
All are alive and relatively unscathed, Gods be good. Most of us didn't attempt fighting the beast directly. [ Aemond would have made a comment about Wrathion's use of my lady, but he lets it go for now. ]
They will expect to hear from you once you're feeling well enough. But I'll pass the news to them in the meantime. [ A pause. ] You're important to us. Remember that, Wrathion.
I swear on the very Titans, Aemond, I was not trying to be stupid this time. Save for the effects of the hydra blood, and being somewhat exhausted, I am largely unharmed. And I am glad that by the grace of the Aspects, you and the others are, as well.
[Though he gives a faint snort, then.]
Besides, what was I to do but fight the beast directly? Even were it not one of the directives of my flight to protect the mortals in my care, there are those here that I would not see harmed. I could not sit by and take the chance!
[Though he gives a faint snort, then.]
Besides, what was I to do but fight the beast directly? Even were it not one of the directives of my flight to protect the mortals in my care, there are those here that I would not see harmed. I could not sit by and take the chance!
[ Aemond switches to video just to give Wrathion a pointed look. ] I wasn't admonishing you for that. You did what was necessary. I would have done the same if I'd had half your talents. [ And yet.
And yet.
He exhales, releasing the Leaf from his grip so it can float alongside him. The basket he's carrying is heavy. ]
You did well. [ Then, in a softer voice: ] Next time, let us help before you fly off somewhere.
And yet.
He exhales, releasing the Leaf from his grip so it can float alongside him. The basket he's carrying is heavy. ]
You did well. [ Then, in a softer voice: ] Next time, let us help before you fly off somewhere.
I was worried that I would not be--in control of myself. Better to suffer by myself than to hurt anyone. Especially if that was you, or Sansa.
[Not that Wrathion wouldn't be upset if he harmed anyone when he was hallucinating, but it would be exponentially worse if it were those two.]
Were it anything else but my mind being afflicted, I would have stayed.
[Not that Wrathion wouldn't be upset if he harmed anyone when he was hallucinating, but it would be exponentially worse if it were those two.]
Were it anything else but my mind being afflicted, I would have stayed.
[He's not going to bother with text back. Forget that.]
Sansa? Are you there? I am relieved to hear that you and Jon are safe...
[Wrathion's still a little reluctant, but that's because he's still a bit shaky. And nervous, but he's trying to play it cool. Everything's normal now!]
Sansa? Are you there? I am relieved to hear that you and Jon are safe...
[Wrathion's still a little reluctant, but that's because he's still a bit shaky. And nervous, but he's trying to play it cool. Everything's normal now!]
( Sansa isn't looking her best - her braid has a few tendrils loose and there are deep shadows beneath her eyes but when she has a video contact from Wrathion, she jumps to answer it - a feat since she's still getting used to the leaf. )
Jon and I are safe, yes. He came to find me earlier. Aemond told me you'd been affected by the Hydra so I did not expect contact any time soon.
Jon and I are safe, yes. He came to find me earlier. Aemond told me you'd been affected by the Hydra so I did not expect contact any time soon.
And if I were in a similar state? Would you have wanted me to leave? [ His voice is pointed, as though he already knows the answer.
Exhaling hard, Aemond continues with, ] At least let me help, should the time come again. We can't both be stubborn. We won't survive it.
Exhaling hard, Aemond continues with, ] At least let me help, should the time come again. We can't both be stubborn. We won't survive it.
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