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The last days of the past month had gone by like a blur for the youngest Targaryen son. Starting from Aemons wedding, Rhaegar had seemingly received a rain from gifts, from his victory at the melee to his knighting and then his father granting him the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister as a boon. But most importantly for him was the open display of pride from Jon, one that made him realize how much value he held for him as not only a Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, but as a son. And the very same night, it seemed like the gates of all the Seven Hells opened before them. The pirate lords that wished for the downfall of their family employed not men but scaled beasts, with scaled backs and filed teeth as well as warlocks manipulating dark magics. Stuff of tales and legends he gorged on as a kid yet didn't think he would ever live to see, and when they clashed against the Lords and knights of the realm, the little prince could only watch from the safety of the Red Keep as his King led the charge and men died for him. Even when he arrived to Aemons aid he was too late and by the next morn, when his father was sharing honors, he had half a mind to give it all back. How could he be worthy of a seat into the Order of the Dragon, or better yet the White Cloak he dreamed of when he couldn't fight besides his King or even defend his family with a miniscule of competence. Well now it was the time to prove himself...this mission would either prove his standing as a hero of his age or mark him as a coward and a failure, and Rhaegar would never consciously choose the later.
The silver lining to everything were all the new faces he had the chance to meet. Spending most of his time training in the yard, the Dumb Dragon was now the Bold one, and Champion of a Royal melee at that, which garnered him an immense amount of popularity that until recently was a stranger to. Still, one of the closest relations he was happy to forge was his friendship with the new Master-at-Arms, Ellion Bravethorn, who he knew as the son of their Master of Coin. It was impossible not to be fond of the affable Tyrell, since he and Merebelle introduced him to a sparring regime against three or four swordsmen, so that he was better prepared for an actual battle.
The Tyrell Knight and Lady Gray were an unlikely couple, but the way they smiled to each other gave a feeling of longing to the Dragon Prince. Considering his goals, he had accepted the possibility of not fathering any children, but the need for companionship wasn't something he could just discard...yet. Most curiously of all, he found himself drawn to one Lady Lysara, his sisters newest handmaiden. The Lyseni and her brother were already the cause of waves in their court and in the third day, Rhaegar finally found the courage to ask her for an afternoon stroll through the gardens. And when she accepted it was an immense surprise to him. If only his brother Jahaerys wasn't so scornful towards this budding friendship...
"Enjoy her company while you can Rhaegar, bed her if you will. After all, beds are abound in this city. But for pity's sake keep silent about it, less you make yourself a fool and the Lords get the wrong idea. They'll even be afraid to send their daughter to Court when they hear about Aegon the Unworthy reborn..."
Sometimes Rhaegar hated his brother. Always willing to impress those around him with his grasp of Valyrian verses and philosophical texts but his moral code was that of the alehouse. Why did he even had the right to reprimand him when he was lollygagging all day long with Ellions sister. The argument just burned from there, with Jahaeyrs avoiding the plate Rhaegar launched at him and Jon put an end to it with an iron-wrought command. It was uncharacteristic for two Princes shouldn't act like meddling children.
And now here he was, a sea away from home and pouring over a map of the Stepstones and Dark sister sheathed by his side. It was an impromptu War Council called by Aemon, and Rhaegar was more than willing to accept instead of being dragged into dicing or revelry by Viserys. They were also joined by Jaime Lannister and Ser Podrick Payne, both the past and current Lord Commanders of the Kingsguard.
"While Lord Aurane holds moderate control of the Islands, we should first pinpoint the dens were pirates are most in numbers in. It would help with finding the safest entry point for the task force. What do you say brother?" he asked the Crown Prince.