The Coronation of Aerys, the Second of His Name

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Coronation of King Aerys, the Second of His Name, of the House Targaryen, 260 AC


There was hardly any time to mourn the death of the late Jaehaerys II, son of Aegon the Unlikely and father of the ascending King Aerys II.

The news came swiftly from the Stormlands, only a week ago, as the sentries sighted Blackfyre banners and many pirate ships within Shipbreaker's Bay. Maelys the Monstrous, the last of the Blackfyres and wielder of the legendary sword, Blackfyre, had come to Westeros. His string of victories upon the Stepstones had utterly decimated the Targaryen forces and, now, Westeros was vulnerable to an attack by the ambitious Blackfyre. A day later, the King was found dead within his bedroom. The maesters declared it a heart attack caused by the stress of Maelys sudden invasion and the weak condition of the King's health. It took another week though for Aerys to finally reach King's Landing and assume his role as Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. The Prince had come ahead of his sister-wife, who stayed behind on Dragonstone to care for their infant children, Rhaenys and Aegon, till the seas calmed. Once within King's Landing, a hasty coronation was declared as those who remained loyal to the Targaryens made their way to the capital in the hopes of many things; a counter-attack on the Blackfyres, the reorganization of their army's leadership in light of what happened at Stepstones and the state of their military were among the minds of those who traveled to witness Aerys II's crowning.

The crowning of Aerys II was an ominous day as grey clouds hung over the capital, remnants of the terrible weather that had gripped Blackwater Bay for a number of days. Puddles of rain were still seen in the streets as horses, bearing their Lords and Ladies, arrived to the capital with hast and determination. The presence of the Blackfyre army to the south made them worried deep within their hearts and hopeful that heir of the late King would prove to be a decisive ruler that would reverse their misfortunes.

[Lucius Malfoy]

A day after Prince Aerys had landed, the sails of House Velaryon were seen entering the harbor, led by the Grand Warship, Conqueror. It was a small flotilla, only a few ships strong that escorted the warship to the port of King's Landing. Yet the cargo they carried was precious since Lord Qoherys of Driftmark had brought it upon himself to bring the King's wife and infant son from Dragonstone to the capital. With the seas much better than a couple days ago, the Velaryon ships were able to move once more and bring the family of Aerys to the ceremony. Qoherys did not come alone, as his son and heir, Jacaerys, came with him, leaving behind Aegor and Rhaena along with their mother back at High Tide.

Once the infants were situated in the Red Keep and guards were posted by Qoherys orders, a guard of Velaryon-sworn knights, escorted the would-be Queen and their Liege Lord, to Baelor's Sept where the ceremony was about to commence. Qoherys left the care of the Queen to his son who took her away to be properly readied for the coronation, allowing Lord Velaryon to seek out Aerys himself. Eventually, the presence of the Kingsguard made him aware of the Kings location. Qoherys would approach Aerys calmly and kneel behind him. The weathered and bearded face of the Valyrian lord bowed to Targaryen King before speaking to Aerys.

Your Grace, I have brought your wife and children to the capital now that the seas are cleared. Guards have been posted to watch over your heir, Rhaegar, and a wetnurse has been assigned to his care. The Queen has been taken to prepare for the ceremony under the guard of my son, Jacaerys. I hope that I have pleased you, Your Grace, with my service to the Iron Throne and your noble house.

[The Mad Skylord]

Prince Aerys Targaryen was not dressed particularily splendidly. He wore a black chestplate, engraved with the Targaryen dragon, over a chain mail hauberk. Draped around his shoulders was a black cloak, and from his belt hung his sword. He looked down calmly at the Valyrian Noble. He listened quietly before speaking.

"Rise, Lord Velaryon. You have done my House great service and I shall not forget your loyalty. With the Small Council vacant I shall need wise men to advise me in this grave hour. I am offering you the appointment of Master of Ship. The Greyjoys are wholly unreliable and their fleets are crippled from the Stepstones, I need a knowledgeable admiral to lead my fleets againt the Usurper."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Qoherys was pleased to hear a position was granted to him without hesitation. The Velaryons had long served the Targaryen dynasty as noted seafarers and the position of Master of Ships, or sometimes Admiral of Ships, was a rightful position of theirs that many of his forefathers had held throughout the reigns of many kings before his time. With that said, the Velaryon would rise from his kneeling position, giving a slight bow out of gratitude before speaking to Aerys.

Your Grace, you are very generous in trusting command of the fleets with my humble hands. I shall serve you as diligent as my forefathers have.

Then the Velaryon lowers his voice for the King to hear him alone.

I fear, Your Grace, that the seas will not be where the decisive battles will happen. The pretender has landed his army in full force and without any resistance given. Though the pirate fleets under his command will certainly aid him, I fear that the victories will happen more upon the earth than the seas. However, I shall still my office well and do what I can to contribute to the realm.

[Zeus Almighty]

Ser Warrick Tully arrived quietly and cooly into Kings Landing. He arrived with a house guard and with just a few banners. He was dressed in layered scale armor with chain mail underneath. His guard and his sword by his side, war was going to be the theme of the foreseeable future and he promised his brothers to be prepared while on the road. A member of House Bracken, House Vance, and House Mooton made up his personal guards, while they were accented by other knights of lesser birth but equal skill. After traveling through all of Kings Landing all the way up to the Red Keep, Warrick found himself on neutral ground, somewhere in the middle of the nobles but stayed quiet. He nodded and bowed to many Lords. He uttered words of respect to some others. So he stood, vigilant of his surroundings, knowing that what he lacked in experience he must make up in awareness.

[The Mad Skylord]

Aerys smiled calmly, "Good" he thought a man who is unafraid to speak his mind."

"I am glad that you have given me this advice so easily, lesser men may be afraid to tell the king he is wrong. I hope to hear your honest and heart felt opinion while you serve on my Small Council.

I would also like to hear your suggestions for members of the Small Council, a diver-" Cut off by a Kingsguard quietly telling him something, a curious flicker of emotion flashed across his face. His voice is low, and the edge of anger can be heard in it. "Bring Ser Tully to me, Ser Waters, I would hear the reason for the Tully retreat myself." With a quick bow, the Kingsguard quickly moves off to summon the Tully Knight.

[Zeus Almighty]

Ser Warrick Tully nodded his head when retrieved. Ser Mooton accompanied him to the soon to be coronated King. Ser Warrick Tully, Son of Lord Hoster Tully. I come to represent my family. My father sends apologies for being too ill to attend.

OOC- working today so my reply won't come back till tonight.

[Oznerol]

Lord Walter Whent and his wife, Lady Shella Whent, attend the coronation. As the Riverlands' first and foremost vassals they wear accordingly with richly embroidered robes; he wore a splendid doublet made of brocade, golden with black bats. She wore a magnificent black gown, made of heavy Lorathi velvet. They were acompanied by a myriad servants, squires and ladies-in-waiting all of them properly dressed.

[The Mad Skylord]

Aerys smiles graciously, charmingly. He seems to be genuinely worried for the health of his Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. "I am very sorry to hear of his illness, Ser Warrick, I have heard he has not been seen by anyone but his family since the Stepstones, did he suffer an injury?"

[Zeus Almighty]

Aerys smiles graciously, charmingly. He seems to be genuinely worried for the health of his Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. "I am very sorry to hear of his illness, Ser Warrick, I have heard he has not been seen by anyone but his family since the Stepstones, did he suffer an injury?"

he took an errant arrow to his stomach and has yet to make a recovery. My brother Myles was also wounded which prompted our retreat. We left Ser Brynden Tully to represent our house but he has not been seen since the battle at all, your grace.
His affect was flat as was his voice. Such was his view on playing little Lord.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Harlan looked on at the proceedings, his eyes never resting as they took in the guests who had dared the road to witness the next Targaryen to come to the throne on the back of the sudden demise of their predecessor. Yet it had not been battle which saw Jaehaerys pass away, but extreme rage, an emotion his weak frame had been unable to contain. Now his son had ascended to the throne, a stronger man than his father all could see, but not one who had achieved any great victory. No, that honour sat with King Maelys Blackfyre, camped outside of Storm's End with an army still celebrating their victory over Lord Ormund and the Targaryen army sent to bring him to heel.

Keeping his new charge within his peripheral vision, Ser Grandison kept to the outskirts of the hall, close enough to charge to Aerys aid but far enough away to ensure that the knight was not interfering. There was little enough celebration without his presence killing the faint mutterings of conversation.

[The Mad Skylord]

The room fell silent as the High Septon entered. The various lords and ladies moved to their pews, as Aerys Targaryen walked steadily down the Great Sept of Baelor. Upon reaching the High Septon, he knelt before him, and the ceremony began.

The High Septon spoke his verses, and the King spoke his. Eventually a crown was set upon his brow. A simple circlet of steel, masterfully engraved with a dragon curled around it. Aerys has chosen to wear none of the Targaryen crowns, choosing instead to have his own.

Rising to his full height, Aerys looked out upon the nobles in attendance. In his armor, with a simple steel circle, he looked every inch the warrior. Looking upon his audience, he descended the stairs of the Sept and spoke - at an equal level to these men. "I am Aerys Targaryen, son of Jaehaerys. Many of you will see me as only a boy, a boy who is untested. I have spilt blood upon the Stepstones, fighting desperately - first to win, and then to leave those cursed islands with as many of my men as possible. I went there to fight a Usurper whose House has plunged Westeros into total war many times, and it has returned to do so again.

Maelys Blackfyre has landed on our shores, a kinslayer twice over. He is here to claim this throne, believing that a bastard line has the right to drown Westeros in blood to fulfill his ambitions.

I will repel this Monster from our shores. I will take revenge for the many men who lost their lives on the Stepstones. I will rescue our hostages. I will do this, with your help. I will defeat this beast, and then I will repair the damage my Grandfather did to the Seven Kingdoms. I will repeal his Peasant Laws, and return your feudal rights to their fullest.

I am Aerys II Targaryen, and I would be your King"

[Poach]

OOC: it. Jokern's been online and read Casterly Rock twice and hasn't posted anything.

* * *

Many of the Westerlands nobility had lost family in the Stepstones disaster, possibly the Leffords included. As such, attendance from the Westerlands at the coronation, rushed as it was, was low. Attendance full stop was low due to the very short space of time between the announcement and the ceremony itself, but barely a sigil from the Westerlands could be spied at all.

Leaving Godric to tend to the affairs of the estate, Harmund had traveled to the Capital with Donnel and Ryon, who were both at the battle. His age and health were not the best, but Harmund had a keen interest in attending the event, while Donnel and Ryon came along to bear witness to a coronation and relay accounts of the battle if needs be.

The three wore silk and leather, a simple Lefford patch sewn over their breasts. Harmund also had his varnished wooden cane, metal tipped and causing a distinctive clacking sound where ever he went, while both Donnel and Ryon wore ceremonial swords as befitting their status.

They listened intently as Aerys II pronounced his intent to resist the invasion, and Harmund noted the promise to revoke certain restrictions on the nobility in return for loyalty. 'A new King in times of peril and war', thought Harmund, 'buying off his subjects may be crass but perhaps necessary in such a time.'

[The Mad Skylord]

Aerys nodded slowly. He didn't fully believe the Riverlander, they were as forked as their rivers, but it seemed to be a reasonable motive to retreat. He decided to simply leave the matter be for the time being. "I see, I hope he returns to full health quickly, his skills will be needed to see off Maelys."

----------
Once Aerys had finished talking and the few present nobles had begun talking among themselves, he personally made his way over to an enigma. Westerlanders. Recognising the sigil of House Lefford, he was determined to investigate this curiosity. "I did not expect to see Westerlanders here, Lord Lefford, not with the rumours of the capture of Tywin Lannister. I personally was fighting with Baratheon, across the battlefield from your men. Pray can you spread some truth on this rumour?"

[Zeus Almighty]

Aerys nodded slowly. He didn't fully believe the Riverlander, they were as forked as their rivers, but it seemed to be a reasonable motive to retreat. He decided to simply leave the matter be for the time being. "I see, I hope he returns to full health quickly, his skills will be needed to see off Maelys

I think Lord Hoster Tully has seen the last of his battlefield days your grace. It will be up to me to take that charge, and I will do so gladly. If it had been my choice I would have sent my father and brother away and stayed with our men but it was not. Once this is over your grace, I must return to take full stock of our forces. Once I have organized you will see me yet again for war. My father was nearly fatally wounded and that cannot go without retribution.

He lacked much emotion in his expressions, but his voice sounded gracious and true. His father had drilled into him that true leadership takes more logic than emotion and thus was born Warricks demeanor when playing little Lord.

[Jokern]

Lord Tytos Lannister attended the sultry coronation of the young king, along with several lords and ladies of the Westerlands. The Laughing Lion was clad in wonderful robes of red and gold, yet his face did not live up to his nickname. The man was sullen and quiet, his head hanging low and only giving the barest greeting back to the other guests. The news of the defeat on the Stepstones had hit the Westerlands hard, but when Tytos learnt that his eldest son was not among those who had come back had completely broken him. He had not left his chambers, and his mistress' loving embrace, for days when the raven arrived from King's Landing, inviting him to the coronation. Only the combined efforts of Ser Cedric Broom and his beloved mistress had gotten him dressed and ready to leave for the capital. Even here, it took all his strength to even stand up and faintly smile. Tywin, he thought to himself, if only you were here in my stead, if only I had gone and not you it would be I bleeding out on some wretched cliff in the middle of nowhere. He thanked the Seven that Kevan and Tygett had made it back safe, how he could go on living with three sons dead before him was not possible. Jeyne, his beloved Jeyne, why had she left him alone in this world? He was not strong and cunning like his father, he needed his wife to support him through the terrible things in the world. Where was his mistress? He needed her now.

Lord Tytos Lannister stayed in his own mind as his retinue spread out and chatted with other guests. Only Ser Cedric Broom stayed beside his lord, ever loyal and diligent. No lord of the Westerlands cared much for the well-being of Tytos, the kind weakling who let them do as they pleased. Few men respected the Lord of Casterly Rock, not as they had respected and feared Gerold the Golden. Cedric watched in silence as they went their own ways, only the lord's guard remaining. He sighed, praying that young Tywin had somehow survived. They had heard no news as of yet, only that the eldest lion cub was not with his brothers when they sailed into port at Casterly Rock. It was magnificent in a sense, the way that the failed bloodline of Daemon Blackfyre had in one battle completely turned the realm on its head and was once more a force to be reckoned with. He looked to the young King Aerys, wondering how the Targeryen would handle the greatest threat to the red dragons' claim of the Iron Throne.

Lord Tytos and his retinue slowly made their way towards the newly coronated king, taking a bow before Aerys II. Still deep in thought, the Toothless Lion remained silent.

[The Mad Skylord]

Aerys looked at the Lord Paramount silently for a moment. Wondering what to say. Tytos Lannister had been strange before, but he was broken now. With a slight frown, Aerys spoke. "Lord Tytos, I am surprised to see you here. I would have thought you would be desperately waiting for news of a ransom or mourning. Have you recieved any news of Tywin yet?

[Jokern]

Aerys looked at the Lord Paramount silently for a moment. Wondering what to say. Tytos Lannister had been strange before, but he was broken now. With a slight frown, Aerys spoke. "Lord Tytos, I am surprised to see you here. I would have thought you would be desperately waiting for news of a ransom or mourning. Have you recieved any news of Tywin yet?

Tytos froze at the mention of his sons name, but when he looked up he simply smiled at the king.

"How could I refuse to attend your coronation, your grace? I am the Lord of the Westerlands, it is my duty to follow the king's commands and protect his people. There has been... no news of my eldest son as of yet, but the gods have been kind enough to return to of my sons safely. Once I know of... of his fate, I shall immediately notify you, your grace. I know you two had grown quite close when he served as the cupbearer of your late lord father, may the Seven protect his soul."

[The Mad Skylord]

Tytos froze at the mention of his sons name, but when he looked up he simply smiled at the king.

"How could I refuse to attend your coronation, your grace? I am the Lord of the Westerlands, it is my duty to follow the king's commands and protect his people. There has been... no news of my eldest son as of yet, but the gods have been kind enough to return to of my sons safely. Once I know of... of his fate, I shall immediately notify you, your grace. I know you two had grown quite close when he served as the cupbearer of your late lord father, may the Seven protect his soul."

Aerys looked kindly upon Tytos Lannister, weak by anyone's standards, but a good father none the less. "I thank you for attending, my Lord. Tywin is indeed my friend, and I know he must be alive, it would take more than a Usurper to slay him, believe in the Father, Lord Tytos, have faith he will return your son to you."

[Jokern]

Aerys looked kindly upon Tytos Lannister, weak by anyone's standards, but a good father none the less. "I thank you for attending, my Lord. Tywin is indeed my friend, and I know he must be alive, it would take more than a Usurper to slay him, believe in the Father, Lord Tytos, have faith he will return your son to you."

"Thank you for your kind words, your grace. I pray to the Seven every day that you are right, but for each passing moment and silence is all I hear, my heart grows weaker. I almost lost my three eldest sons on the Stepstones, and that is something a father can never live with. I pray that your grace never outlive your own children and would have to feel the pain I carry.

"May I ask of how your grace is faring? It cannot be easy with both the loss in battle and the loss of your own lord father, may the Seven protect him, within such a short period of time. Even for a dragon, this must be overwhelming."