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[moondanced]

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[provoke]

Hm? [ ah. the books. he definitely doesn't feel defensive for having it noticed, his body language stiffening for a flash of a moment. ] They're the closest to dragons that they seem to have here. There's one they call a Komodo dragon, but it looks nothing like— doesn't matter.

To the dining hall, then? You'll understand if I don't offer my arm, won't you? They have a peculiar like for eggs.

[moondanced]

( she wouldn't take it if he did.

but she lets him brush her off as they start their walk. she does note the book, though. she would like to hear more about the komodo dragon. )

Maybe it's the diversity of them? Everyone prefers their eggs in various ways here.

Was there something specific you wanted to talk about?

[provoke]

Yes. Your mother. The Lady Laena Velaryon. [ to wade into so contentious a topic in the morning; no one ever said aemond lacked for boldness. but— ] I'm like to know what she was like as a rider.

There are other matters, but that's the heart of what I'd like to speak with you. [ a pause, and a sharp half-smile. ] I can't ask Uncle.

Do you read for leisure, cousin?

[moondanced]

( she nearly comes to a dead halt at the mention of her mother's name on his lips. they'd discussed her mother before, yes, but that was over text. )

I don't think he likes to dwell on the past, anyway. ( Baela remarks on her father, not without a hint of bitterness. let's not discuss how quickly her father remarried, yes? )

I do read for leisure. Jace and I have been exchanging books we find in the Library. I'm going to borrow your lizard book when you're done with it now, too. ( you know. just to show they share interests.

after a moment. ) My mother rode for the joy of it. And you could see her joy. Feel it radiating from her with every flight.

[provoke]

[ yes, let's not discuss how otto hightower had implied, years later, that his half-sister was comforting their uncle the same night he was fighting for his life up in the sky on vhagar's back. some things are best left firmly in the past. ]

We could share it. The day is early, and I'm like to learn more about this— Rome. A city of conquerors, it's said. Reaved and pillaged in all directions, and all they had were horses and a small number of trained soldiers.

[ it's been very interesting, and aemond had perhaps read faster than he should. no maester here to tell him to pace himself, or to sit with one text and analyse what is being said. the similarities between the romans and their lands remind him greatly of old valyria, with its states and districts, and their desire for conquest and power. ]

Did your mother seek comfort with her, with Vhagar?

[moondanced]

( she's thinking on Rome when the next question comes too suddenly for her. it nearly makes her stop short. she doesn't think he means for it to provoke a reaction for her. he does seem to be genuinely trying to talk with her.

so she doesn't blame him the memories he sparks. )

Yes. ( she says softly, looking at her feet. ) To her last breath. ( she lets the implication hang there. )

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[provoke]

She died by dragonfire, had she not? Commanded Vhagar to burn her, I heard, and even then she would not burn.

[ they are the blood of the dragon. fire alone cannot kill them, as aegon himself had proven to aemond's remaining eye.

he walks with baela sedately, matching her shorter strides so as not to outpace her too quickly. they have a ways yet to go before they reach the dining halls; the sun already creeps high along the sky. ]

And she rode Vhagar often?