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
Like as not, you are easier to manage in a similar state. Had I been in Visage, I imagine you would have managed me with less trouble, as well. [Or at least more easily than a rampaging dragon.
Wrathion tosses his head, but it's less a negative gesture and more just--annoyance, likely. Frustration. He's fairly frustrated at all of this.]
You may try, Aemond, but even if death is not a thing that lasts, here, how do you think I would feel, were I the one to slay you?
[There's a reason for his stubbornness, after all. It isn't just to be stubborn. Not in this instance.]
Wrathion tosses his head, but it's less a negative gesture and more just--annoyance, likely. Frustration. He's fairly frustrated at all of this.]
You may try, Aemond, but even if death is not a thing that lasts, here, how do you think I would feel, were I the one to slay you?
[There's a reason for his stubbornness, after all. It isn't just to be stubborn. Not in this instance.]
As soon as I could manage. I should be returning soon, I feel...more myself.
[As well as distancing the hallucinations that had been brought on by the hydra blood. Perhaps if there was a next time--Titans forbid there be a next time!--he could fight it better. Wrathion wasn't very certain, however.]
I am glad he is there, and that you are safe. You look as if you need rest, my queen. I should keep this short, I suspect. The better to return swiftly.
[As well as distancing the hallucinations that had been brought on by the hydra blood. Perhaps if there was a next time--Titans forbid there be a next time!--he could fight it better. Wrathion wasn't very certain, however.]
I am glad he is there, and that you are safe. You look as if you need rest, my queen. I should keep this short, I suspect. The better to return swiftly.
Not nearly so much rest as you, I should think. I have gone on little and less sleep when the occasion has called for it and there are many injured and much to do.
( He is not wrong, however, and Sansa cannot care for every single person in the castle by herself. No one would expect it of her, just as Wrathion cannot protect everyone. )
I cannot fight. I must use my hands in the way that best suit me.
( He is not wrong, however, and Sansa cannot care for every single person in the castle by herself. No one would expect it of her, just as Wrathion cannot protect everyone. )
I cannot fight. I must use my hands in the way that best suit me.
[ Aemond listens, hums, and exhales softly, not in annoyance, but slight discomfort. He's never been skilled in expressing his emotions — not when it counts. All of this is testing him.
At length: ] I understand.
But know this — [ and his voice turns deadly serious ] — were I to die in service of trying to help you, it would be a great honor. I would be proud, Wrathion. I would have done something worth my life.
At length: ] I understand.
But know this — [ and his voice turns deadly serious ] — were I to die in service of trying to help you, it would be a great honor. I would be proud, Wrathion. I would have done something worth my life.
[Testing him? Wrathion, who has people sworn to him, who willingly give their lives in his service--and he grieves every one, make no mistake--but he values those sworn as a craftsman values his tools. They swore. He accepted. Their service to him, his service to Azeroth--
This is different. Wrathion isn't certain that he has the words to discern that difference. He only knows that it is, indeed, different.]
Unacceptable. You throw your life away as if it is worthless, when there are those here who care for you, who value your life--and I number myself among them! If you can throw your life away so, Aemond Targaryen, I challenge you to enact a new vow. Dying is easy. Living is costly. Do not die for me. Stay alive for me. And help me do the same--for you, for Sansa, for your family. Our family, the one we make here!
This is different. Wrathion isn't certain that he has the words to discern that difference. He only knows that it is, indeed, different.]
Unacceptable. You throw your life away as if it is worthless, when there are those here who care for you, who value your life--and I number myself among them! If you can throw your life away so, Aemond Targaryen, I challenge you to enact a new vow. Dying is easy. Living is costly. Do not die for me. Stay alive for me. And help me do the same--for you, for Sansa, for your family. Our family, the one we make here!
And you look exhausted for it. [Wrathion won't lie and say he isn't tired--he is, and if he could shift, he probably would look haggard, himself. Likely this is one reason he remains in dragon form; easy to hide his imperfections when his dragon self is incredibly striking and regal anyway! He is nothing if not vain.]
You are fighting in your own way. The way you know how. Your weapons are not claw and fang, or steel and strength of arm, but strength of heart. You are just as important, though you are not on the battlefield, but off it. And just as needed. But you can ill help others if you are too weary, yourself.
[He sighs, then. Perhaps an odd sound, coming from a dragon.] And being the lout that I am, I've hardly helped you. I am sorry for that, my queen. I beg your forgiveness.
You are fighting in your own way. The way you know how. Your weapons are not claw and fang, or steel and strength of arm, but strength of heart. You are just as important, though you are not on the battlefield, but off it. And just as needed. But you can ill help others if you are too weary, yourself.
[He sighs, then. Perhaps an odd sound, coming from a dragon.] And being the lout that I am, I've hardly helped you. I am sorry for that, my queen. I beg your forgiveness.
You needn't apologize to me, my prince. I am a woman grown and unless you intend to put me to bed yourself, there's not much you can do to alleviate my personal struggles. You have to heal from your injuries and from what I understand, that will be easier as a dragon than in visage, no?
( Sansa doesn't know everything about dragons, not hardly, but she has been trying to learn as quickly as she can so she can be the sort of companion he deserves to have. )
( Sansa doesn't know everything about dragons, not hardly, but she has been trying to learn as quickly as she can so she can be the sort of companion he deserves to have. )
Yes, alright. [ Aemond needs to stop walking for a moment because he's getting too worked up. ] I won't throw it away — you have my word. But if you keep insisting on not letting me help, I can no longer allow you to help me.
Do I make myself clear now?
Do I make myself clear now?
I am not saying that at the moment. [Suddenly mild, as if he's suddenly pivoted. Wrathion might be plotting something. Alternately, he might just be tired. Really, it's the latter. The hydra has taken it out of him.]
You are crystalline. I am going to hold you to your word, Aemond. But I will remember my promises to you, as well. And you are well aware of how stubborn I am, if I did not want your help, I would let you come all the way up here and I would already be gone!
Like an ass, but I've done such a thing before. [To the Champions of Azeroth, but while he likes them as a collective, sometimes the paranoia gets to be too much, even with those he trusts intimately.]
You are crystalline. I am going to hold you to your word, Aemond. But I will remember my promises to you, as well. And you are well aware of how stubborn I am, if I did not want your help, I would let you come all the way up here and I would already be gone!
Like an ass, but I've done such a thing before. [To the Champions of Azeroth, but while he likes them as a collective, sometimes the paranoia gets to be too much, even with those he trusts intimately.]
Mostly my injuries are superficial...mostly. [He'd taken one very good hit from a hydra head, but that was likely bruising. Wrathion would get over it. No, it's the blood effects that have the dragon not rushing back to be amongst his humanoid allies again. Though that would probably be the best thing for him.
He pauses, however.]
Sansa. Do I need to come back and put you to bed?
He pauses, however.]
Sansa. Do I need to come back and put you to bed?
As much as I would enjoy your company, from what I understand you were affected by the hydra and do not wish to be around me right now. At least not in person. That is what I have gathered from both you and Aemond.
( It would be incredibly selfish of her to demand he pay her attention with so many other things going on, which is why she'd sent a message that she did not expect would have a speedy reply. )
Do you want me to be needy just now?
( It would be incredibly selfish of her to demand he pay her attention with so many other things going on, which is why she'd sent a message that she did not expect would have a speedy reply. )
Do you want me to be needy just now?
Correction: Until I'm certain that the effect it had upon me has dissipated, I want to be around no one, but I am sure that you understand that Targaryens seem to be stubborn asses. Aemond would not take no for an answer.
[He's irritated by that, but Wrathion was, in truth, at least a little grateful. But still unhappy that Aemond saw no issue with dying by Wrathion's talons. An attitude that Wrathion did not at all share.
If a dragon can look thoughtful, he does, now.]
I would not want you to be anything but what you are. If you need me...that would be all right. But if you are fine being a strong and independent lady, my queen, that is also amenable to me?
[It really is nice to be wanted and needed, to not be barely tolerated due to being a black dragon, with all that history. But Wrathion still isn't certain that these things are a thing he can--or should ask for.]
[He's irritated by that, but Wrathion was, in truth, at least a little grateful. But still unhappy that Aemond saw no issue with dying by Wrathion's talons. An attitude that Wrathion did not at all share.
If a dragon can look thoughtful, he does, now.]
I would not want you to be anything but what you are. If you need me...that would be all right. But if you are fine being a strong and independent lady, my queen, that is also amenable to me?
[It really is nice to be wanted and needed, to not be barely tolerated due to being a black dragon, with all that history. But Wrathion still isn't certain that these things are a thing he can--or should ask for.]
I'm never allowed to ask for anything, if you recall. Being a queen means having your strength sapped away by everyone else without anyone else to give it back to you. It does for me, at least, because I rule alone with a very small council - and my council is certainly not holding me because I had a bad day or tending to me because stress has given me a terrible headache.
( Sansa doesn't know if this is the answer he is seeking but she feels the need to tell it to him anyway since they are talking about whether or not she's allowed to be needy. )
Since you are not in a position to attend to me at the moment, I think it would be selfish to ask for it even if I would like to have it.
( Sansa doesn't know if this is the answer he is seeking but she feels the need to tell it to him anyway since they are talking about whether or not she's allowed to be needy. )
Since you are not in a position to attend to me at the moment, I think it would be selfish to ask for it even if I would like to have it.
[The dragon listens to all this, the expression on his face impassive. Mostly, because it's draconic, and it isn't as mobile as a humanoid face would be. But his thoughts are also cast back to the Dragonqueen.
Then again, he was fair certain that Alexstrasza still had consorts, even if her favorite had sacrificed himself. Still had family and was venerated all over Azeroth as the Life-Binder, a champion of all things good.]
The answer, then, is that I must attend you as soon as I possibly can. Amends must be made. I shall do so, I swear it.
[He doesn't bow in dragon form, but Wrathion lowers his head, which is as good as bowing, for his kind.]
Then again, he was fair certain that Alexstrasza still had consorts, even if her favorite had sacrificed himself. Still had family and was venerated all over Azeroth as the Life-Binder, a champion of all things good.]
The answer, then, is that I must attend you as soon as I possibly can. Amends must be made. I shall do so, I swear it.
[He doesn't bow in dragon form, but Wrathion lowers his head, which is as good as bowing, for his kind.]
( Sansa hates that she's on video instead of simply speaking or using text because she blushes bright red when Wrathion says that he must attend her as soon as he possibly could. She's never had anyone to do that before and there's never been anyone she's wanted to do that for her and so she's a bit...overwhelmed? Shy? She's not sure what to call the feeling. )
There's no amends to be made - you couldn't have known the hydra would poison you so. I want your attention, I will not lie about this, but do not feel as if you have done anything wrong by not coming to me sooner.
There's no amends to be made - you couldn't have known the hydra would poison you so. I want your attention, I will not lie about this, but do not feel as if you have done anything wrong by not coming to me sooner.
[ The language is a bit stilted, a touch too formal, but Jacaerys is doing his best to keep it together and that means pushing everything he is feeling down so low that he feels numb. ]
As I am aware you are close with Aemond by your own admission, on his behalf I am reaching out to tell you he was recently injured in some sort of experiment. He is well and I am caring for him, but he wished you to know this, in the event you attempt to contact him and receive nothing but silence.
Edited 2025-09-16 13:46 (UTC)
What sort of experiment, and with whom? Or has he not spoken to you of the particulars?
[Jacaerys can't see the way the dragon pinches the bridge of his nose, eyes squeezed shut. Aemond takes him to task for his retreat after the hydra, but then he pulls this? Though, Wrathion supposes, he didn't choose to have some sort of accident.
Still. Clearly he isn't the only rash and headstrong one!]
Please, I do not want to interfere overmuch, as I do trust you and he should be surrounded by family at the moment, but should you need anything that you do not wish to leave him to procure, call upon me? I am ever at your service, and his.
[Jacaerys can't see the way the dragon pinches the bridge of his nose, eyes squeezed shut. Aemond takes him to task for his retreat after the hydra, but then he pulls this? Though, Wrathion supposes, he didn't choose to have some sort of accident.
Still. Clearly he isn't the only rash and headstrong one!]
Please, I do not want to interfere overmuch, as I do trust you and he should be surrounded by family at the moment, but should you need anything that you do not wish to leave him to procure, call upon me? I am ever at your service, and his.
A Jayce Talis.
[ The delay in the rest of the message is as clear enough a sign of his lingering upset on the matter. ]
By his account, he was working with venom from the hydra. I admittedly did not interrogate him thoroughly, though perhaps when Aemond is settled, I may pay him another visit.
Your offer is greatly appreciated and I agree, at least for now, saving him the noise and flurry of visitors is perhaps best. Should he have need of something I have not readily available, I'm grateful to have you to count on.
[ The delay in the rest of the message is as clear enough a sign of his lingering upset on the matter. ]
By his account, he was working with venom from the hydra. I admittedly did not interrogate him thoroughly, though perhaps when Aemond is settled, I may pay him another visit.
Your offer is greatly appreciated and I agree, at least for now, saving him the noise and flurry of visitors is perhaps best. Should he have need of something I have not readily available, I'm grateful to have you to count on.
I...see. I wonder just what the man was thinking...but that's neither here nor there. It worries me to hear he was experimenting with the blood, considering my own experience with the substance. I may have to bother him myself.
[Though in truth, Wrathion's visit will likely be less volatile and pugilistic than Jacaerys' might be.]
Yes. Make him rest for now, as I do want to speak with him, when he's well enough to receive me.
[Ominous words? Perhaps.]
[Though in truth, Wrathion's visit will likely be less volatile and pugilistic than Jacaerys' might be.]
Yes. Make him rest for now, as I do want to speak with him, when he's well enough to receive me.
[Ominous words? Perhaps.]
I cannot say. Truthfully, I did not allow him to speak and that I will admit is my own fault. It is not so easy to answer for nor defend oneself when punched in the jaw.
[ Jacaerys is not proud of his reaction, but with the dark dread of failure already well into its attempts to kill all the light he possessed, he was ill-equipped to handle another shadow to join the effort. ]
What experience do you have with it? I should like to know the symptoms so that I can monitor for them.
And I assure you, he is resting and when such a time comes, I will gladly inform you.
[ Jacaerys is not proud of his reaction, but with the dark dread of failure already well into its attempts to kill all the light he possessed, he was ill-equipped to handle another shadow to join the effort. ]
What experience do you have with it? I should like to know the symptoms so that I can monitor for them.
And I assure you, he is resting and when such a time comes, I will gladly inform you.
( Celebrating winter is not in Sansa's nature, given how much winter can take away from her people, but she has learned that other places do have winter feasts. One of those places is Wrathion's home and so she makes him a silk shirt in a deep, ruby red and on the inside of the collar where no one can see, she embroiders a tiny direwolf. She wraps it carefully and leaves it outside of his door with the following note: )
Happy Feast of the Winter Veil, my love.
Happy Feast of the Winter Veil, my love.
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