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jacaerys

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[provoke]

[ was it not true? aemond doesn't reply with it, knowing how sore the matter is for jace, just as the matter of his eye and lucerys's death would be for himself and the both of them. but he knows what jace means; alicent holds to the teachings of the faith as a man might hold a weapon, or a shield. he can neither fault alicent for her beliefs, or jace for his upset. ]

She means well, and always for the realm. Her loyalty to the crown as she understands it cannot be questioned.

You may ask, but you'll allow me the grace to refuse an answer. I've not lied to you. I won't start now.

[vermax]

( he has his own opinions on Alicent's loyalty, on her devotion to the realm. but to argue with Aemond on it will lead them nowhere but back from the delicate peace they've established and promised to keep. )

Of course. You need not answer. I will not lie and say it is not a complicated question:

Are you happier here?

[provoke]

[ he's been thinking about it. he's been wondering if this might be better, to let their bitter rivalry die here and have them return home knowing the peace they're giving up. but any happiness here won't bring back the dead. it won't resolve any of the issues left lingering, won't heal the wounds that still hurt and burn and ache in their hearts. ]

Home is where I can fly freely with Vhagar, and Vhagar is where my happiness lies.

Any joy I feel here will never be complete without her.

[vermax]

Even at home, we are not always free to fly.

And if she were here?

[provoke]

[ if she were here, free to do as she pleases? free to roam the skies, with him on her saddle? ]

What would your answer be?

[vermax]

That I could be. If only for a brief moment in time. ( if he could forget the weight of all the loss, the fear of what lay ahead and anger toward what it had come to. and if victory came, his mother on the throne as meant to be, if his claim would see no turmoil when the Stranger came for her at the end of her life. )

[provoke]

I think I could be, too.

[ to live a quieter life, left alone to textbooks and silence and training, to let his mind chase after histories and languages and become someone greater than the borrowed things that he has become. and maybe — distant as a fading dream — find someone who will choose him first, even when he doesn't ask.

death waits for him when they return. he knows this. he welcomes it just as much as he fears it. fire and blood only wait to drown him in its unending fire. ]

[vermax]

Then let us find comfort in that.

And deem the things that make it possible worth fighting for.

[provoke]

You hold to peace as if it will hold. Your optimism surprises, cousin.

But why not, as you say. We don't have anything better to do.

[vermax]

For another moon, at least.

[provoke]

Mm. 'Tis your name day soon, as well.

Do you have plans for it?

[vermax]

I would spend it hunting, if I could. But I believe my mother is making plans that will overshadow the occasion.

[provoke]

I'm happy to hear for you, truly. With Baela and Daemon?

I haven't thanked you for reaching out to Tim and Pierce as you had. You didn't need to do that for my sake.

[vermax]

And the whole of the manor.

There is no need to thank me. Did you enjoy the celebrations?

*happy to hear this for you, oof

[provoke]

[ a public wedding, then. as much a soft power move as any; clever.

and did he enjoy it? daemon's attendance comes to mind. tim's warmth, the morning earlier. lauralae's dress, the dance they shared and after. pierce, under the stars. ]

I had a good time. Thank you, truly.

[vermax]

Then I am glad for you. Do not feel indebted to me for it.

[provoke]

And yet.

I'll repay the thoughtfulness, Jacaerys. Allow me the privilege of it.

[vermax]

( well, if Aemond insists then the part of Jace that wishes to be given offerings will not protest. ) If you insist, cousin, I will grant you the pleasure.

[provoke]

[ he has a gift picked out, after all. why shouldn't he give it to its intended? ]

How generous of my cousin Jacaerys, that he allows me to witness him so.

You will tell me when I can come by to give my favour?

[vermax]

Let it not be said otherwise. ( as crown prince, as heir to the throne, generosity is a trait one must balance but ensure one has. )

Do you intend to wait until the day?

[provoke]

It is not ready for you yet. Are you eager to be feted?

[ this is— odd, in a word. not enough to alarm, or tickle his humor, but odd all the same. ]

Or is it company you ask after?

[vermax]

For once. But I am also patient, not only generous.

Do you swim?

[provoke]

That I do. Are you inviting me? The hour is fairly late.

[vermax]

Then join me at the pool.

I am surprised to hear you keep a bedtime. Worry not. I won't keep you long and a race before bed will tire you out for a good night's rest.

[provoke]

I train early before first light, most days. There are a few that I train, and I am responsible for them.

Will we be alone?