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[moondanced]

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[unapparent]

That is my belief. Someone dear to me was taken mere days prior, and it was no accident, either.

We have been given our teams and our roles by the house. We must play its game to win and survive. Do you understand?

[moondanced]

Are you talking about Embry? The man they discussed on the network? I am sorry, Lady Alicent. I was not aware that was a loss you personally felt.

I understand.

I feel I must talk with Aemond to settle my mind more. But I am not convinced it is not the working of darker elements using our family's turmoil to their gain.

( a pause before the next text comes through. )

My father will likely not be so easily swayed.

[unapparent]

Thank you. I mourn him, your Jacaerys, and Rhaenyra all. For she was once my closest companion.

[ as for the matter at hand, ]

I understand. Aemond will answer you true.

Know this, even if you do not believe it. He claims to have killed the Prince Lucerys, but I saw him the night he returned from Storm’s End. I heard him speak the truth of it before he could cling to the lie that would make him as dangerous as your lord father. Their dragons met above the storm and neither could control them.

My late husband always believed your control of the dragons to be an illusion. A sway on the beasts themselves and the minds of the smallfolk.

I say this not to ask your forgiveness for what has passed but to impress the truth of our circumstances upon you. If Aemond killed this night, he would not cower from it. There are other wolves among us.

[moondanced]

( she does know the stories of the closeness of Alicent and Rhaenyra once upon a time. girlhood friends. the two reached peace and a truce on their own in this house. it does speak to something between them that Baela isn't worldly enough to see.

but it gets washed away on that next paragraph. her mind goes blank as she reads those words. )

He lost control of Vhagar? That is how Luke died?

Have you said this to anyone else?

[unapparent]

Arrax struck Vhagar, and she responded in kind.

Who would hear me? My son has been made a monster since he claimed your mother’s dragon.

[moondanced]

I know Vhagar enough that it doesn't sound outside the realm of possibility. ( or for Aemond to claim it as intentional. )

Rhaenyra would want to hear this.

( she stares at the message she's just sent. ) Would have wanted. ( she corrects. )

[unapparent]

It would not have lessened her pain. It only would have emboldened your father.

[ who would view aemond’s lack of control as a weakness — and exploit it thusly. there’s a quiet request, tucked in her phrasing, that baela not share this information. ]

My word is worth little and less yet I say this to you. I loved her dearly, and I know she loved you.

If our teams from the Masquerade remain relevant, you would be wise to align yourself with Louis de Pointe du Lac and Timothy Laughlin. They are honourable men. As is the young Duke Paul Atreides, though he will be much occupied by the near death of his lady love.

[moondanced]

( that's a lot of advice and assistance from someone with little to gain in this moment. she doesn't know Alicent very well, but she stands by Rhaenyra having trusted peace in the manor with her. so until proven wrong, she'll trust the words spoken to her. )

Thank you, Lady Alicent. I know we don't know each other well, but I can tell her Grace trusted you. I will continue to do so in your stead.

I will speak with Aemond and make my decision thusly. My father will be difficult. He doesn't listen to me, so I hope that he will you.

I will seek out those two for guidance and aid. I would like to see that no more blood is shed these coming nights.

[unapparent]

I have little faith in my ability to convince your father of anything, when mine own husband oft failed in such efforts, but I will present my case for continued peace and shared sorrow nonetheless.

Thank you for hearing my words and counsel, despite our distance.

Be safe, Lady Baela.

[moondanced]

She would have wanted it as such.

Keep safe yourself, Lady Alicent.