Chương 17: Chapter 16
Note: The absence of Dornish women among the Scarlet Shadows is due to the fact that Dorne had not yet been conquered during this time period. Therefore, the recruitment for the Scarlet Shadows was limited to women from the regions that were part of the Seven Kingdoms at that time.
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The day of the tourney arrives, and the anticipation in King's Landing is palpable. The city buzzes with excitement as people from all corners of the realm gather to witness the grand event in honor of Jaehaerys becoming the new Heir to the Iron Throne.
The tourney grounds are a spectacle of colors, with banners fluttering in the wind and the sound of cheering crowds filling the air. Knights in shining armor prepare their steeds, while archers test their bows in anticipation of the archery contest.
In a secluded area of the tourney grounds, a special mêlée for women is about to begin. This event is invitation-only, and the participants have been carefully selected for possible recruitment into the elite group known as the "Scarlet Shadows."
The women chosen for the contest are formidable fighters, each with her own unique skills and talents. Some are skilled swordswomen, while others are expert archers, but all share a fierce determination to prove themselves in the male-dominated world of knightly combat.
As the contestants prepare for the challenge ahead, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. The crowd eagerly awaits the start of the contest, curious to see who will emerge victorious and earn a coveted place among the Scarlet Shadows.
Among the contestants, there is Alysanne Rivers, the fierce warrior from the Riverlands, her eyes burning with determination as she adjusts her armor. Standing beside her is Elinor Harlaw, the skilled swordswoman from the Iron Islands, her movements fluid and graceful as she checks the balance of her weapon.
Nearby, Lyra Mormont, the towering shieldmaiden from Bear Island, stands tall and resolute, her sword gleaming in the sunlight as she surveys the competition with steely resolve. Ysilla Blackwood, the seasoned warrior from the Riverlands, stands nearby, her demeanor confident and unwavering as she prepares for battle.
Adding to the mix, Serenea Storm, a fierce fighter from the Stormlands, her dark eyes glinting with anticipation as she adjusts her helm. Beside her stands Meera Dondarrion, an agile and cunning fighter from the Stormlands, her movements quick and precise as she tests the string of her bow.
Also among the contenders is Sarya Stone, a formidable warrior from the Vale, her piercing gaze betraying a fierce determination to win. Nymeria Tarth, the skilled swordswoman from the Stormlands, stands with unwavering confidence nearby, her blade gleaming in the sunlight as she prepares to face her opponents.
Completing the lineup are Elara Redwyne, sister of Garth Redwyne, a cunning and resourceful fighter from the Reach, her eyes sharp and calculating as she assesses the battlefield. Beside her stands Ysabel Bracken, a skilled archer from the Riverlands, her bow at the ready as she awaits the signal to begin.
These ten women, carefully selected from across the realm, were the frontrunners in the competition. Jaehaerys and Daemon were positive they would be the final names for the Scarlet Shadows, a prestigious honor that awaited the victors of the day's contest. As they stood on the verge of battle, the air was charged with anticipation, and the crowd eagerly awaited the spectacle that was about to unfold.
—
As the anticipation reached its peak, King Viserys Targaryen was announced, and the audience fell into a hushed silence. All eyes turned to the king as he stood before them, his presence commanding respect and attention.
"Good people of the realm," Viserys began, his voice carrying through the air with authority and warmth. "Today, we gather to witness a display of skill, courage, and determination. These brave women have come from all corners of the realm to prove themselves in the mêlée and archery contest, vying for a chance to join the prestigious Scarlet Shadows."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, showing their support for the competitors. Viserys waited for the noise to subside before continuing.
"As they face each other in combat, let us remember the valor and strength of those who came before us. May the Seven watch over the contestants, and may the best among them emerge victorious."
With those words, Viserys stepped back, signaling the beginning of the contest. The audience watched with bated breath as the competitors prepared to demonstrate their skills and prowess in the upcoming challenges.
—
The mêlée began with a thunderous clash of weapons and the sound of armored combatants charging into battle. A total of 40 women, each skilled in their own right, faced off against one another in a fierce display of martial prowess.
Among them, Alysanne Rivers from the Riverlands moved with fluid grace, her swordsmanship a testament to her training and determination. Her every strike was precise, and her footwork was agile as she engaged her opponents with calculated precision, earning her admiration from the spectators.
Elinor Harlaw from the Iron Islands fought with ferocity, her axe swinging with deadly precision as she surged forward to meet her challengers. Each blow she delivered was powerful and unrelenting, her iron will driving her onward despite the resistance she faced.
Meanwhile, Lyra Mormont from Bear Island stood firm, her towering stature providing an imposing presence on the field. With her shield raised and her sword at the ready, she expertly parried the attacks of her opponents, her unwavering resolve inspiring those around her.
Ysilla Blackwood from the Riverlands moved with swift efficiency, her strikes calculated and precise as she defended herself against multiple opponents. With a keen eye and lightning-fast reflexes, she countered each attack with skill and finesse, proving herself to be a formidable adversary.
Serenea Storm from the Stormlands showcased her formidable skills, her blade cutting through the air with deadly accuracy. Her movements were graceful yet lethal, each swing of her sword aimed with deadly intent as she carved her way through the competition.
Meera Dondarrion from the Stormlands proved to be a nimble and elusive adversary, her archery skills keeping her out of harm's way as she picked off her opponents from a distance. With her bow in hand, she moved with the precision of a seasoned huntress, her arrows finding their marks with unerring accuracy.
Sarya Stone from the Vale fought with unwavering determination, her skill in combat evident as she held her ground against her challengers. Despite the relentless onslaught of attacks, she remained resolute, her unwavering focus and determination driving her onward.
Nymeria Tarth from the Stormlands displayed unmatched swordsmanship, her every move calculated and deliberate as she deftly parried and countered her opponents' attacks. With her family's ancestral blade in hand, she moved with the grace and precision of a true warrior, earning the respect of all who witnessed her skill.
Elara Redwyne from the Reach fought with strategic cunning, her tactical maneuvers allowing her to outmaneuver her opponents with ease. With a keen understanding of the battlefield, she exploited her opponents' weaknesses with calculated precision, turning the tide of battle in her favor.
Ysabel Bracken from the Riverlands proved to be a skilled archer, her arrows finding their mark with deadly accuracy as she took down her adversaries from afar. With each shot, she demonstrated her mastery of the bow, her keen eye and steady hand ensuring that none of her targets escaped her aim.
As the mêlée unfolded, Jaehaerys, Daemon, Rhea, Vaelar, Myrcella, Garth, and Laenor watched from the stands, their eyes trained on the action below. They observed the performances of the ten women with keen interest, discussing and analyzing each move and maneuver with a mixture of admiration and excitement, fully aware that among these warriors lay the future members of the Scarlet Shadows.
"Look at Alysanne Rivers, she's a force to be reckoned with," Jaehaerys remarked, his gaze following the agile movements of the Riverlands warrior.
Daemon nodded in agreement. "Indeed, her skill with a sword is quite impressive. She may very well earn her place among the Scarlet Shadows."
Meanwhile, Rhea's attention was drawn to Elinor Harlaw's formidable display. "Elinor fights with the ferocity of the Ironborn," she noted, her voice tinged with admiration. "She's not one to be underestimated."
Vaelar, his eyes sharp and focused, observed the combatants with a critical eye. "Lyra Mormont's defense is impeccable," he observed, nodding approvingly. "She's holding her ground admirably."
Myrcella, ever curious, turned her attention to Ysilla Blackwood's swift movements. "Ysilla's agility is remarkable," she commented, marveling at the Riverlands warrior's ability to evade her opponents' strikes with ease.
Garth, watching intently, couldn't help but be impressed by his sister Elara Redwyne's skillful swordplay. "Elara is a formidable fighter," he remarked, his eyes tracking her every move. "Her technique is flawless."
Laenor, with a grin of excitement, watched as Meera Dondarrion expertly picked off her opponents with her bow. "Meera's marksmanship is unparalleled," he observed, a note of awe in his voice. "She's a force to be reckoned with."
As the mêlée raged on, the spectators in the stands continued to discuss and analyze the performances of the ten women, fully aware that among these warriors lay the future members of the Scarlet Shadows.
—
As the mêlée unfolded below, Otto Hightower sat beside his daughter, Alicent, his expression a mixture of concern and disapproval. He leaned in close to her, his voice low and measured.
"Alicent, do you see what's happening here?" he whispered, his gaze fixed on the combatants. "This... this is not how things are meant to be. Women fighting, engaging in such... unladylike activities. It's simply not proper."
Alicent, aware of her father's traditional views, listened quietly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of intrigue. "Father, perhaps Prince Jaehaerys sees the value in empowering women," she offered cautiously, careful not to contradict him outright.
Otto shook his head, his disapproval evident. "Empowering women? Nonsense," he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "This is not the way of our ancestors. It's a disruption, a deviation from tradition."
Alicent, though respectful of her father's opinions, couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity about the changes Jaehaerys was bringing about. She knew that in the ever-shifting landscape of court politics, adaptability was key, and she couldn't help but wonder what other transformations lay on the horizon.
—-
As the mêlée reached its final stages, the intensity of the battle surged to new heights. The ten chosen warriors faced off against each other, their skill and determination on full display for the audience to witness. Each combatant fought with unmatched ferocity, refusing to yield even an inch to her opponents.
Alysanne Rivers from the Riverlands clashed swords with Elinor Harlaw from the Iron Islands, their blades meeting with resounding clangs as they exchanged blows with lightning speed. Nearby, Lyra Mormont from Bear Island engaged in a fierce duel with Ysilla Blackwood from the Riverlands, their swords flashing in the sunlight as they circled each other with calculated precision.
Serenea Storm from the Stormlands exhibited her formidable prowess, deflecting arrows and parrying strikes with expert precision, while Meera Dondarrion from the Stormlands showcased her agility and cunning, dodging attacks with graceful ease.
Sarya Stone from the Vale demonstrated her unparalleled strength and resilience, facing off against Nymeria Tarth from the Stormlands, whose skill with a sword was matched only by her unwavering determination.
In the heat of battle, Elara Redwyne from the Reach proved her mettle, her strategic prowess and swift reflexes guiding her through the chaos of combat. Alongside her, Ysabel Bracken from the Riverlands displayed her remarkable skill with a bow, her arrows finding their mark with deadly accuracy.
As the clash of steel and the sound of battle filled the air, the audience watched in awe, marveling at the tenacious spirit and indomitable courage of these remarkable women. It was a battle for the ages, a testament to the strength and resilience of the female warriors who refused to be underestimated.
As the clash of steel and the sound of battle filled the air, the audience watched in awe, marveling at the tenacious spirit and indomitable courage of these remarkable women. It was a battle for the ages, a testament to the strength and resilience of the female warriors who refused to be underestimated.
Exhaustion began to take its toll on the valiant combatants one by one, their bodies pushed to the limit by the fierce intensity of the mêlée. With each passing moment, the field dwindled until only two remained standing: Lyra Mormont and Sarya Stone.
Lyra Mormont, her face streaked with sweat and determination, wielded her sword with unwavering resolve, her movements a testament to the strength and skill of the women of Bear Island. Across from her, Sarya Stone stood firm, her piercing gaze fixed on her opponent, her grip on her weapon unwavering.
The two warriors circled each other warily, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they prepared for the final showdown. With a mighty clash of steel, they lunged forward, their swords meeting in a dazzling display of skill and strength.
The battle raged on, each combatant refusing to yield to the other as they exchanged blow after blow in a relentless flurry of strikes and parries. The crowd watched in hushed anticipation, the tension in the air palpable as the two warriors fought with all the ferocity and determination they possessed.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the field, the final blow was struck. With a resounding clash, Lyra Mormont's sword found its mark, and Sarya Stone fell to her knees, defeated but unbowed.
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, cheering for the valiant efforts of both warriors, who had fought with unmatched courage and skill. And as Lyra Mormont raised her sword in triumph, the audience knew that they had witnessed a battle for the ages, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the women of Westeros.
—
After much deliberation by Jaehaerys and the rest, Viserys is informed of the decision by his younger brother. Jaehaerys leans in and whispers the decision into Viserys' ear, his expression resolute yet filled with a sense of pride.
Viserys listens intently to Jaehaerys' words, his brow furrowing slightly as he processes the information. A moment later, he straightens, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd with a mixture of solemnity and determination.
"Good people of the realm," Viserys begins, his voice commanding the attention of all present. "I am pleased to announce that while initially, there were to be only seven Scarlet Shadows, the performance of the final ten combatants has impressed Prince Jaehaerys to such an extent that he has offered all ten the opportunity to be recruited into the Scarlet Shadows."
The announcement is met with a collective gasp of surprise and excitement from the audience, the news spreading like wildfire throughout the crowd. Viserys' decision marks a historic moment, one that will forever change the landscape of the realm itself.
With a sense of pride and satisfaction, Viserys watches as the ten valiant warriors step forward, their faces alight with pride. It is a moment of triumph, a testament to the courage and skill of these remarkable women who have proven themselves worthy of the honor bestowed upon them.
As the cheers and applause echo through the chamber, Viserys knows that he has made the right decision, one that will strengthen the realm and ensure the continued prosperity and security of House Targaryen for generations to come.
—
Rhaenyra and Laena descended to the stands, their hearts brimming with anticipation and excitement as they approached the ten valiant warriors who would soon become their closest companions as members of the Scarlet Shadows. As they reached the group, Rhaenyra's eyes sparkled with admiration, while Laena's expression was one of quiet determination.
"Welcome," Rhaenyra said warmly, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "We are honored to have you join us as part of the Scarlet Shadows. Your bravery and skill in the mêlée were truly remarkable."
Laena nodded in agreement, her gaze sweeping over the group with a sense of quiet respect. "Indeed," she added, her tone tinged with admiration. "It takes great courage to face such a challenge, and you have all proven yourselves worthy."
The ten warriors exchanged smiles and nods, their faces reflecting a mixture of pride and determination. They knew that they were about to embark on a journey that would test their mettle and forge bonds that would last a lifetime.
As Rhaenyra and Laena greeted each of the warriors in turn, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. It was the beginning of a new chapter for the Scarlet Shadows, and together, they stood ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
—
Alicent glanced hesitantly at her father, Otto Hightower, who stood nearby, his expression unreadable. She knew that he held traditional views about the role of women in society, and she worried that meeting the brave warriors of the Scarlet Shadows might disappoint him.
Taking a deep breath, Alicent gathered her courage and approached the group, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. As she reached them, she offered a tentative smile, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.
"Hello," she began, her voice soft yet filled with genuine warmth. "I... I wanted to welcome you all and express my admiration for your bravery and skill. It's an honor to meet you."
The women of the Scarlet Shadows exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by Alicent's unexpected presence. However, their expressions soon softened, and they returned her smile with genuine warmth.
"Thank you," one of the warriors replied, her tone sincere. "We appreciate your kind words."
As the conversation flowed, Alicent's anxiety began to fade, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Despite her initial fears, she found herself feeling inspired by the courage and determination of these remarkable women, and she knew that she was in the presence of true warriors.
Though she couldn't shake the worry of her father's reaction, Alicent felt a newfound sense of pride in her own beliefs and convictions. She realized that she didn't have to conform to traditional expectations to make a difference, and she was determined to forge her own path, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.
—
Jaehaerys observed Alicent from a distance, a thoughtful expression on his face as he watched her approach the women of the Scarlet Shadows. Despite knowing the potential disapproval from her father, Otto Hightower, Jaehaerys couldn't help but feel a glimmer of admiration for Alicent's courage.
As he observed her interacting with the warriors, Jaehaerys sensed a quiet determination in her demeanor, a willingness to defy convention and embrace her own convictions. It was a subtle yet significant gesture, one that hinted at a depth of character and strength of will that he hadn't fully appreciated before.
In that moment, Jaehaerys felt a renewed sense of hope for Alicent's future. Perhaps, he mused, there was more to her than met the eye—a resilience and spirit that could prove invaluable in the tumultuous times to come.
With a small, approving nod, Jaehaerys turned his attention back to the proceedings, his mind filled with thoughts of the possibilities that lay ahead.
—
As the joust unfolded, Jaehaerys's attention was drawn to a knight named Ser Criston Cole, who approached Rhaenyra with a request for her favor.
Jaehaerys observed the interaction with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "Ser Criston Cole seems quite taken with Rhaenyra," he remarked, his tone measured as he turned to Daemon beside him.
Daemon glanced at the scene below, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Indeed. His boldness is rather... surprising," he replied, his gaze lingering on the knight as he awaited Rhaenyra's response.
Below, Rhaenyra met Ser Criston Cole's request with a polite yet firm refusal, her demeanor composed yet resolute. "I am honored, Ser Criston, but I must decline," she said, her voice carrying a note of finality.
Ser Criston Cole nodded respectfully, albeit with a hint of disappointment, before returning to the joust.
Observing the exchange, Jaehaerys couldn't shake off a sense of unease. "It seems Ser Criston is quite persistent," he remarked, his brows furrowing slightly as he turned his attention back to the joust. "Didn't he ask for her favor before, during the Tourney for the Late Prince Baelon?" he added, directing the question to Daemon.
Daemon nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, he did. It seems Ser Criston is quite taken with Rhaenyra," he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of amusement. "But I doubt Rhaenyra will be swayed so easily. She has always been steadfast in her decisions."
Jaehaerys regarded Rhaenyra with a sense of pride, his admiration for her unwavering resolve evident in his gaze. "Indeed," he agreed, a note of approval in his voice. "She is strong-willed and resolute, qualities that I greatly admire."
Jaehaerys couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards Rhaenyra, his determination to support and defend her growing with each passing moment. "I trust Rhaenyra to handle such situations with grace and poise," he remarked, his voice firm with conviction.
Daemon nodded in agreement. "As do I," he replied, his eyes never leaving the ongoing joust. "She has always been a force to be reckoned with, and I have no doubt she will handle this situation with the same strength and dignity she always does."
Jaehaerys nodded in agreement with Daemon's assessment. "Indeed," he replied, his eyes fixed on the jousting field. "Ser Criston seems to need a reminder that some things are not his to covet."
Daemon's gaze shifted to Jaehaerys, a knowing look in his eyes. "Are you suggesting a challenge, little brother?" he asked, a hint of amusement coloring his voice.
Jaehaerys shook his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "No," he replied with a small smile. "Sometimes, a well-executed prank can be a much better lesson than violence."
Daemon chuckled, recognizing the wisdom in his brother's words. "Very well," he said, nodding in agreement. "Let's see how Ser Criston reacts when faced with a bit of mischief."
As they continued to watch the joust unfold, Jaehaerys couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the prospect of teaching Ser Criston a lesson in humility without resorting to violence. Sometimes, a clever prank was all it took to set things right.
—
As the tension mounted in the jousting arena, Jaehaerys seized the opportunity to teach Ser Criston Cole a lesson he wouldn't soon forget. With a subtle flick of his wrist and a whispered incantation, Jaehaerys used his magic to cast an illusion over Ser Criston's lance.
As Ser Criston prepared for the final charge against Ser Ryam Redwyne, the air crackled with anticipation. With a thunderous roar from the crowd, Ser Criston spurred his horse forward, aiming to unseat his opponent and claim victory. However, as he lowered his lance for the charge, an unexpected transformation occurred.
To the astonishment of everyone present, Ser Criston's lance shimmered with an ethereal light, transforming into an enormous, squawking goose that flapped its wings wildly and honked loudly with each movement. The sudden spectacle drew gasps and laughter from the audience, while Ser Criston himself looked utterly bewildered, struggling to maintain his focus amidst the chaotic display.
Despite his best efforts, Ser Criston found himself unable to control the unruly goose-lance, his concentration shattered by the unexpected prank. Meanwhile, Ser Ryam Redwyne, seizing the opportunity, delivered a decisive blow that sent Ser Criston tumbling from his horse with a resounding crash.
As Ser Criston lay dazed on the ground, the crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers, laughter, and applause for Ser Ryam's victory. Jaehaerys, watching from the stands, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that his clever prank had not only entertained the crowd but also served as a powerful lesson to Ser Criston about the consequences of coveting what wasn't his.
Daemon erupted into laughter, his booming voice echoing through the stands as he watched the spectacle unfold before him. "Well played, little brother!" he exclaimed, clapping Jaehaerys on the back with a hearty slap. "I must say, that was quite the prank. Ser Criston won't soon forget the consequences of coveting another man's betrothed!"
With a wide grin, Daemon continued to chuckle, thoroughly entertained by the unexpected turn of events. He glanced at Jaehaerys with a mixture of admiration and amusement, impressed by his brother's ingenuity and cunning.
Rhaenyra's eyes sparkled with amusement and admiration as she glanced at Jaehaerys, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She leaned in closer, speaking in a hushed tone. "I know it was you, Jaehaerys," she whispered, her tone laced with playful affection. "That was quite the prank you pulled on Ser Criston. He won't be forgetting that anytime soon."
Her gaze lingered on Jaehaerys, filled with a mixture of pride and amusement. She was impressed by his cleverness and resourcefulness, finding herself drawn to his mischievous spirit.
—
Laena's eyes widened in astonishment as she witnessed Jaehaerys' display of magic. She exchanged a glance with her family, the Velaryons, who wore matching expressions of awe and fascination. Laena's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and curiosity, realizing for the first time the true extent of Jaehaerys' power.
"By the gods," Laena breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never realized... He truly is extraordinary."
Her siblings nodded in agreement, their eyes fixed on Jaehaerys with newfound respect and admiration. The realization that their bethrothed wielded such incredible abilities filled them with a sense of wonder and anticipation for the future.
—
Otto Hightower's eyes narrowed as he watched Jaehaerys perform the remarkable feat of magic. His expression darkened with disapproval, a mixture of shock and disdain evident on his face. As a devout follower of the faith of the Seven, Otto had been taught to view magic with suspicion and contempt, believing it to be a dangerous and corrupting force.
The sight of Jaehaerys wielding magic only confirmed his worst fears, reinforcing his deep-seated mistrust of the prince and the power he commanded. In that moment, Otto felt a surge of righteous indignation, his resolve to thwart Jaehaerys' influence and protect the realm from the dangers of magic strengthening with each passing second.
—
Ser Criston Cole's expression shifted from confidence to embarrassment as he realized he had been the unwitting victim of a magical prank. His cheeks flushed with color, and he glanced around, aware of the amused and curious gazes of the onlookers.
Acknowledging the lesson learned, Ser Criston graciously accepted his defeat with dignity and humility. As he departed from the field, he carried with him a newfound respect for the boundaries of others' affections, understanding the importance of honor and respect in matters of the heart.
---
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