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So, you want someone to read you a bedtime story?
What sort of story?
I could tell you of the Young Dragon, but I don't know if you'd want to hear it.
I could tell you of the Young Dragon, but I don't know if you'd want to hear it.
Any kind, really.
I would like to hear of this.
I would like to hear of this.
It's not the Heptarchy! (Except it kind of totally is.)
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northerndragon
2018-07-19 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
All right.
Before I tell the story itself, I have to tell you a little of the land where it happened.
There are seven kingdoms in Westeros. Mine, the North, was one of them once. The first people in Westeros were the Children of the Forest, then the First Men who worshipped the same gods as the Children, the Old Gods. Northerners are mostly descended from the First Men, but the Andals came from Essos across the Narrow Sea and conquered many of the southron kingdoms.
When the Dragonlords rose in Valyria, they conquered much of the known world, but they didn't set their sights on Westeros until after the Doom, when Old Valyria fell. One of the ruling Valyrian families, the Targaryens, had come to live on an island off the coast of Westeros with their dragons. It wasn't until the Storm King from one of the Seven Kingdoms, the Stormlands, insulted Aegon Targaryen that the family set their sights on the mainland.
Aegon and his sister-wives conquered all but two kingdoms with their dragons. One was the North, because my ancestor Torrhen Stark willingly bent the knee to Aegon so that his people would not suffer. The other was Dorne, a kingdom in the south filled with sand and mountains and scorpions and hot weather, because they shot Aegon's favorite wife Rhaenys and her dragon Meraxes out of the sky with a lucky spear.
Dorne is different from the other kingdoms. It was settled mostly by First Men and the Andals and the Rhoynar, a people from Essos who had been led there by a warrior princess — but that was long before the Targaryens came. No one knows why Aegon stopped his conquest at the border of Dorne, but for many years, the Targaryens and their descendants ruled the six kingdoms they had conquered. Dorne kept its independence, ruled by the Martells as it long had been, until the Young Dragon.
His name was Daeron I Targaryen.
Before I tell the story itself, I have to tell you a little of the land where it happened.
There are seven kingdoms in Westeros. Mine, the North, was one of them once. The first people in Westeros were the Children of the Forest, then the First Men who worshipped the same gods as the Children, the Old Gods. Northerners are mostly descended from the First Men, but the Andals came from Essos across the Narrow Sea and conquered many of the southron kingdoms.
When the Dragonlords rose in Valyria, they conquered much of the known world, but they didn't set their sights on Westeros until after the Doom, when Old Valyria fell. One of the ruling Valyrian families, the Targaryens, had come to live on an island off the coast of Westeros with their dragons. It wasn't until the Storm King from one of the Seven Kingdoms, the Stormlands, insulted Aegon Targaryen that the family set their sights on the mainland.
Aegon and his sister-wives conquered all but two kingdoms with their dragons. One was the North, because my ancestor Torrhen Stark willingly bent the knee to Aegon so that his people would not suffer. The other was Dorne, a kingdom in the south filled with sand and mountains and scorpions and hot weather, because they shot Aegon's favorite wife Rhaenys and her dragon Meraxes out of the sky with a lucky spear.
Dorne is different from the other kingdoms. It was settled mostly by First Men and the Andals and the Rhoynar, a people from Essos who had been led there by a warrior princess — but that was long before the Targaryens came. No one knows why Aegon stopped his conquest at the border of Dorne, but for many years, the Targaryens and their descendants ruled the six kingdoms they had conquered. Dorne kept its independence, ruled by the Martells as it long had been, until the Young Dragon.
His name was Daeron I Targaryen.
Edited 2018-07-19 08:26 (UTC)
[He would respond with a text message, but stories are much more effective when spoken aloud and this is kind of his oeuvre.]
What kind do you like?
[-asks the history nerd, already animated.]
What kind do you like?
[-asks the history nerd, already animated.]
What kind of story - a true story, a fairytale, ?
It depends on the sort of story you wish to hear. Tragic or happy?
[ Alfred looks amused by the other's already clear excitement. ]
What about your favorite?
What about your favorite?
There are good and bad things of both. Do you have one that they are intertwined?
I seek tales that are different from my own. Though, I am sure that is not too difficult as we are all from such different places.
A fairy tale then. They're happier than real life.
Once upon a time, there was a princess named Elizabeth who was engaged to a prince named Ronald. A fierce dragon attacked her castle, burned it to the ground and kidnapped Ronald. All of Elizabeth's clothes were destroyed in the fire and she had to wear a paper bag. That didn't stop Elizabeth. She was very brave and tracked the dragon by following the path of burned buildings.
When she finally found the dragon, she told him that she didn't believe he could breathe enough fire to burn down a forest and he burned down ten forests, just to prove it. She then said she didn't believe he could burn down fifty forests, and he burned down a hundred forests to prove it. She kept telling him what she didn't believe until he ran out of fire, trying to prove her wrong. When he was out of fire, she fought him and saved Ronald.
Instead of being happy about being recused, Ronald was a jerk and told Elizabeth that she smelled like ashes and was wearing an ugly bag. He told her to stay away from him until she looked like a real princess. She told him he had nice clothes, but he was an asshat. They didn't get married. Elizabeth went on to have a happy life and founded charities to help people in need get homes and clothes, and she planted a lot of trees.
Once upon a time, there was a princess named Elizabeth who was engaged to a prince named Ronald. A fierce dragon attacked her castle, burned it to the ground and kidnapped Ronald. All of Elizabeth's clothes were destroyed in the fire and she had to wear a paper bag. That didn't stop Elizabeth. She was very brave and tracked the dragon by following the path of burned buildings.
When she finally found the dragon, she told him that she didn't believe he could breathe enough fire to burn down a forest and he burned down ten forests, just to prove it. She then said she didn't believe he could burn down fifty forests, and he burned down a hundred forests to prove it. She kept telling him what she didn't believe until he ran out of fire, trying to prove her wrong. When he was out of fire, she fought him and saved Ronald.
Instead of being happy about being recused, Ronald was a jerk and told Elizabeth that she smelled like ashes and was wearing an ugly bag. He told her to stay away from him until she looked like a real princess. She told him he had nice clothes, but he was an asshat. They didn't get married. Elizabeth went on to have a happy life and founded charities to help people in need get homes and clothes, and she planted a lot of trees.
[ Alfred reads it twice before replying. ]
What a complex history.
[ Maybe only complex because of all the unfamiliar names -- in reality it's not that different from things he knows in his world. ]
What a complex history.
[ Maybe only complex because of all the unfamiliar names -- in reality it's not that different from things he knows in his world. ]
First, a sort of prologue. Be aware, some months ago, I had no idea any of this even existed.
In my universe, there are a number of realms or dimensions, each one separated by a mystical barrier that could only be breached by doorways called Portals, created by a great deal of energy. Overseeing these realms are beings known as the Elder Gods; their purpose being to make sure things stay in balance, and to enforce Rules meant to keep the realms safe from invaders.
One such realm is called Outworld. For countless centuries, the Emperor of that realm, called Shao Kahn, had conquered and absorbed any realm he set his eyes on. He lived for conquest and war, and those within his empire either made themselves useful to him or risk being put to death.
Five hundred years ago, he set his eyes on Earth. Besides its resources, the realm is said to contain natural portals, ones that don't require a spell to enter. If Earth were to be taken in, not only would all life be forfeit to the Kahn, but it would allow him to possibly breach and send armies to other realms as well.
Yet, thanks to the Rules, the guardian of Earth, the Thunder God Raiden, had evoked the right of Mortal Kombat, a tournament between the best warriors of Earth, versus those chosen by the Emperor.
Each Tournament would be between the warriors of the Emperor, and those on Earth deemed by Raiden to be the strongest warriors of their generation. If Outworld were to win ten tournaments in a row, he would be able to enter the realm without interference from the Elder gods, but if Earth was determined a victory ten times, then the Emperor would have to forfeit any right he saw to the realm.
However long it would take, each tournament was held within a span of fifty years, and took place on an island set between the realms. For an Earth warrior to win and become Mortal Kombat champion, the prize would be immortality for however long they remained victor, in order for them to be strong enough and to train other warriors to fight in the next tournament.
By the time I'd even heard of Mortal Kombat, Outworld had already won nine out of ten tournaments.
In my universe, there are a number of realms or dimensions, each one separated by a mystical barrier that could only be breached by doorways called Portals, created by a great deal of energy. Overseeing these realms are beings known as the Elder Gods; their purpose being to make sure things stay in balance, and to enforce Rules meant to keep the realms safe from invaders.
One such realm is called Outworld. For countless centuries, the Emperor of that realm, called Shao Kahn, had conquered and absorbed any realm he set his eyes on. He lived for conquest and war, and those within his empire either made themselves useful to him or risk being put to death.
Five hundred years ago, he set his eyes on Earth. Besides its resources, the realm is said to contain natural portals, ones that don't require a spell to enter. If Earth were to be taken in, not only would all life be forfeit to the Kahn, but it would allow him to possibly breach and send armies to other realms as well.
Yet, thanks to the Rules, the guardian of Earth, the Thunder God Raiden, had evoked the right of Mortal Kombat, a tournament between the best warriors of Earth, versus those chosen by the Emperor.
Each Tournament would be between the warriors of the Emperor, and those on Earth deemed by Raiden to be the strongest warriors of their generation. If Outworld were to win ten tournaments in a row, he would be able to enter the realm without interference from the Elder gods, but if Earth was determined a victory ten times, then the Emperor would have to forfeit any right he saw to the realm.
However long it would take, each tournament was held within a span of fifty years, and took place on an island set between the realms. For an Earth warrior to win and become Mortal Kombat champion, the prize would be immortality for however long they remained victor, in order for them to be strong enough and to train other warriors to fight in the next tournament.
By the time I'd even heard of Mortal Kombat, Outworld had already won nine out of ten tournaments.
Edited 2018-07-21 20:15 (UTC)
[Kelson paused for a moment thinking what might interest Alfred.]
Would you like to hear what I know about Saint Camber?
Would you like to hear what I know about Saint Camber?
That much is true! But there are tales and there are tales, as it were. Are you looking for history or fable, for glory or for love? Or some combination?
I've got plenty of interesting stories, but why do you want them?
[ Floki doesn't ask why this person wants a story, he doesn't even ask what kind of tale they want to hear. Floki is feeling mischievous and wishes to spend a cheeky little fable he is rather fond of.
Though in his time here he has come to learn how to read, he still doesn't like to type, feels strange pushing buttons and words appearing, not like the satisfaction of carving runes into stone. So the Viking switched over to audio and started without warning.
His accent was rich, a thick Norse twang and strange, eccentric way in which he said certain words. ]
Yggdrasil, or the Tree of Life as some might call it, carries each and every realm on its thick, strong branches. Yet, though Yggdrasil houses our homes, our wolds and earth, there are powerful creatures that live on the Tree itself! Te-hee!
[ Floki laughed, his little trademark, signature sound, a mix between a giggle and a hiccup, before he continued. ]
At the top, nesting in the highest leaf and foliage is a great, powerful Eagle! Full of knowledge and wonder, it sits there and watches the realms in their branches, learning for them every moment. And below, burrowed among the strong root, the lifeline of Yggdrasil, is a humongous Dragon! Powerful, strong and protector of the Tree! Neither beast leaves its home though they heat one another with a passion, believing themselves to be good and the other to be bad.
[ He paused again, his excitement and passion for his story couldn't be seen as this way just his voice, but Floki was moving around, his hands wiggling fingers and spinning on one foot from excitement as he recites the tale told to him long, long ago. ]
The Dragon and the Eagle were not alone, however, no. There was another, one who was free to travel the length of Yggdrasil from tip to root. A Squirrel by the name of Ratatosk. Ratatosk loved hatred, he fed on it, feeling it and sensing it from the realms as he passed each branch but where he felt it the most, was between the Dragon and the Eagle. So~ Ratatosk would venture to the tops, listen to the Eagle and its ranting about the Dragon, he'd agree, encourage and enable such talk only to then scurry to the roots of the tree and spread the gossip tot he Dragon.
It was amusing, spreading tales and even telling lies just to keep the flames of hatred burning bright. From time to time, Ratatosk would even venture to Asgard and tell of the Eagle and the Dragon's hate, he was addicted to it, to what it did to the two beasts. Some believe that is where the first war and argument of man came from, same for the other eight realms.
[ Floki was snickering under his breath, far more amused in telling the tale than he thought he would be. ]
That is why squirrels are sneaky and can't be trusted. Never speak your mind around one, for you never know who tales it might spread from the things it hears you say.
Though in his time here he has come to learn how to read, he still doesn't like to type, feels strange pushing buttons and words appearing, not like the satisfaction of carving runes into stone. So the Viking switched over to audio and started without warning.
His accent was rich, a thick Norse twang and strange, eccentric way in which he said certain words. ]
Yggdrasil, or the Tree of Life as some might call it, carries each and every realm on its thick, strong branches. Yet, though Yggdrasil houses our homes, our wolds and earth, there are powerful creatures that live on the Tree itself! Te-hee!
[ Floki laughed, his little trademark, signature sound, a mix between a giggle and a hiccup, before he continued. ]
At the top, nesting in the highest leaf and foliage is a great, powerful Eagle! Full of knowledge and wonder, it sits there and watches the realms in their branches, learning for them every moment. And below, burrowed among the strong root, the lifeline of Yggdrasil, is a humongous Dragon! Powerful, strong and protector of the Tree! Neither beast leaves its home though they heat one another with a passion, believing themselves to be good and the other to be bad.
[ He paused again, his excitement and passion for his story couldn't be seen as this way just his voice, but Floki was moving around, his hands wiggling fingers and spinning on one foot from excitement as he recites the tale told to him long, long ago. ]
The Dragon and the Eagle were not alone, however, no. There was another, one who was free to travel the length of Yggdrasil from tip to root. A Squirrel by the name of Ratatosk. Ratatosk loved hatred, he fed on it, feeling it and sensing it from the realms as he passed each branch but where he felt it the most, was between the Dragon and the Eagle. So~ Ratatosk would venture to the tops, listen to the Eagle and its ranting about the Dragon, he'd agree, encourage and enable such talk only to then scurry to the roots of the tree and spread the gossip tot he Dragon.
It was amusing, spreading tales and even telling lies just to keep the flames of hatred burning bright. From time to time, Ratatosk would even venture to Asgard and tell of the Eagle and the Dragon's hate, he was addicted to it, to what it did to the two beasts. Some believe that is where the first war and argument of man came from, same for the other eight realms.
[ Floki was snickering under his breath, far more amused in telling the tale than he thought he would be. ]
That is why squirrels are sneaky and can't be trusted. Never speak your mind around one, for you never know who tales it might spread from the things it hears you say.
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