Chapter 19: Mindscape
"Good morrow, Lord Drakonar. Was the room to your comfort? If not, you may stay in the royal quarters. The room you are currently in is the finest guest room in the keep. However, if it does not meet your preferences, feel free to speak up," Viserys said to me. He seemed prepared to order the servants to move all my belongings to the Royal Quarters.
"Good morrow to you too, King Viserys. The room provided to me is agreeable, but I would like to make some changes to suit my preferences, with your permission. And thank you for your invitation," I said to Viserys. Though I could temporarily adjust the room to my comfort, I knew I could always ask Viserys, and he would not deny me, so why not?
"There's no need to ask, Lord Drakonar. In fact, take that room for yourself. You may stay here as long as you wish. You're an honored guest of House Targaryen. Now, what's this I hear about you and Daemon sparring in the courtyard early in the morning? Do tell us in detail," Viserys said, ending with a laugh. It seems news travels faster than light here. However, I noticed when Viserys mentioned I could stay as long as I wanted, Otto's face soured for a moment, but I didn't miss it.
Although I've said I wouldn't judge people based on books and shows, Otto Hightower is an exception. Many factors and players are to blame for igniting the Dance of Dragons, but if his ambitions weren't so towering, none of it would have happened. The most irritating thing about him is his expression. As the second son of a Lord, not even a Lord Paramount, he looks down on everyone, including Prince Daemon of the blood royal. It's unclear whether it's arrogance or he believes no one can outsmart him. He's even called dragons mere beasts multiple times. I'd like to see him stand before Anarion and repeat that, then we'll see if they are just mere beasts. A mutual distaste for him is something Daemon and I can bond over.
"Do you even need to ask, Brother? I always win. There is no one in the seven kingdoms who could beat me. Lord Drakonar is too young to even pose a challenge," Daemon said with a laugh and amusement in his eyes. Well, it wouldn't take me years. I am confident it would take at most a year to completely surpass him. And that is saying something, considering I started defeating knights outside after many fights, as everyone began to laugh upon hearing his boast.
"Uncle, you were defeated in the tourney by Ser Criston Cole not long ago. Have you forgotten?" Rhaenyra asked, giggling at Daemon. Daemon's laughter ceased, and a frown took its place as he glared at the Targaryens who were laughing at him.
"It will not happen again. I'll ensure it," Daemon said, as laughter echoed in the room. We resumed our breakfast in silence until Viserys introduced Otto and Alicent to me. I nodded in acknowledgment to Alicent and continued eating. Noticing my gesture, Daemon sent a smirk my way. After the nod, he too began to eat.
"Lord Drakonar, I am aware of your desire to visit the last Valyrian stronghold. However, could you postpone your journey for a while? Aemma is due to give birth within a few moons, and I would appreciate your and Vezofina's assistance should complications arise," said Viserys. Witnessing the hopeful expressions on both his and Aemma's faces, I found myself unable to refuse. I assured Aemma that I would not let anything happen to her, which meant I had to remain here for some time.
"Do not fret. I promised Queen Aemma that Vezofina and I would ensure her safety, and I intend to honor that promise. I will depart for Dragonstone once Queen Aemma has safely given birth," I assured Viserys. Upon hearing this, Aemma expressed her gratitude through tears, while Viserys appeared both happy and thankful.
"There is no reason to postpone Lord Drakonar's visit to Dragonstone, Your Grace. Grandmaster Runciter will do his utmost to ensure an heir to the Seven Kingdoms. With his abundant knowledge of medicine from the Citadel, He will assist the Queen to the best of his abilities. He is the best in his field," said Otto, with a proud look on his face as he mentioned the Citadel.
Viserys gestured with his hand, indicating that the Grand Maester would appreciate additional assistance. Otto remained silent, aware that once Viserys had made up his mind, he would not be swayed. His stubbornness was well-known.
"Uncle Darmon and Lord Drakonar, you both remember your promises, don't you? You told me we would fly together today, so you're not going to break your word, are you?" Rhaenyra asked, her eyes pleading as she looked at Daemon and me.
Before I had the chance to speak, Daemon declared he would keep his promise. Then, Rhaenyra glanced my way. Indeed, I had vowed to join them with Anarion for dragon riding. Thus, I was bound to honor my word.
"When are we going?" I inquired. Her mood lifted visibly upon hearing this.
"We'll leave right after my duties at the Small Council conclude. I'll send servants to escort you both. Together, we'll visit the Dragonpit where I'll introduce you to my Syrax; she's magnificent and will be delighted to meet you," declared Rhaenyra cheerfully, leading her father towards the chambers of the Small Council. Meanwhile, Viserys began to gather as much food as he could.
After Viserys headed to the council room, Otto rose and began to depart, bowing to the Queen. Alicent followed in her father's footsteps. Daemon left shortly after, mentioning he had work to attend to. Corlys, upon his departure, extended an invitation for me to visit Driftmark when I go to Dragonstone, noting that the two are not far apart.
After Aemma and I were the only ones left in the room, I offered to help her to her room. She thanked me and mentioned that maids were waiting outside to assist her. With that, I proceeded to my own room.
*****
Upon entering my chambers and opening the heavy door, I cast a spell that would alert me if someone knocked or entered the room. Then, I began to go into the dimension where tranquillity reigns. As I settled into this peaceful space, I closed off my mind and commenced practicing mind magic, knowing it wouldn't be long before I accessed my inner world.
First, I reinforced the shields and gained better control over my emotions. Then, I began to gradually channel my magic toward the mind as a daily exercise. After practicing for some time, I entered a trance-like state, so immersed that I couldn't hear any external voices or sounds. Eventually, it felt as though I had stepped onto the platform leading to the Hogwarts Express.
Upon opening my eyes, the first sight that greets me is a range of volcanoes, spewing blood-red lava. On the opposite side, there's an expanse of trees stretching for miles, so dense that their canopy blocks out the light. As I stand there, the meaning of each landscape becomes clear to me. The volcanoes symbolize the memories of Daeranyx and the Dragonlord heritage I hold dear. The verdant nature represents my past self, one that cherishes the simplicity of life. My love for nature stems from the days spent with my grandmother in our village, amidst our own lands. Occasionally, I would visit and assist the tenants. However, pursuing a degree from a prestigious university was equally important, necessitating my move to the city for my studies.
I began my journey towards the Volcanoes to search for my memories. After some time, I found them, but they were incomplete. Among them was a towering volcano, larger than the rest, which contained the memories of Daeranyx and Grindelwald. I then continued towards another area in pursuit of my remaining memories. As I walked, I contemplated ways to alter my mindscape and shield it from external influences. Upon discovering a large tree and approaching it, I uncovered all my other memories, including my own and Dumbledore's. Now, I needed to transform this entire area and create defences to safeguard my memories.
Without hesitation, I used my imagination to transform things. Succeeding, I immediately began to blend two landscapes with my imagination, spacing out volcanoes and threading dense forests between them. Next, I constructed a castle akin to my own in Valyria. Following that, I summoned magical creatures in the mindscape to guard the castle's perimeter. My ideas were not limited to these alone. Time passed unnoticed as I erected additional defenses like knights and dragons, along with numerous traps to ensure that any intruder into my mindscape would face dire consequences. In this realm, no other being possesses a level of mind magic comparable to mine. Should the need arise, my occlumency shields and mindscape beasts would suffice to repel them.
I began to construct a computer within my mindscape, organizing my memories into folders. This way, if someone were to enter, those from the medieval era would be clueless about its nature. And when they pondered how to retrieve my memories from it, I wouldn't remain passive if someone intruded into my mind. After exiting my mindscape, I moved towards a corner of my dimension where I had created this space. Experimenting with some spells, I couldn't suppress a smile. It was clear that organizing my mindscape had improved my magical control. It wasn't as significant as the boost I received from my first ritual, which greatly enhanced my magical abilities, but I could now handle magic more easily than before. I can now cast nearly half of my spells without using my wand.
While practicing to cast spells as quickly and wandlessly as possible, the enchantments I had placed on my room alerted me to someone knocking at my door. Stepping out of my dimension, I opened the door to find a guard, one of many I had seen stationed around the keep. I asked him, "What is it?"
"Pardon me, my Lord, but Princess Rhaenyra has instructed me to escort you to the Keep gate, where she awaits your arrival. She also mentioned that you are to keep your word," said the guard, bowing. I couldn't help but chuckle at her final remark. After asking him to wait a moment, I began to don my riding leathers. Once ready, I instructed him to lead the way to where Rhaenyra was waiting.
Sorry for a late update. After previous chapter there were no supporters on buy me a coffee so I was demotivated. Anyway Laenor SI fic is out on webnovel. Do check it out if you want.
There is advance chapters in Patreon if you want to read in advance. Also there is poll going on Patreon for main pairing of this fic. Here is my Patreon,
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There would be only 3-4 chapters per week from now on.
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