In the Embrace of Green Flame

FOURTEEN

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣୧‿︵‿︵

As the day of Vaella's seventeenth name day drew near, the realm reverberated with an electrifying buzz of excitement. Anticipation hung in the air, permeating every corner and crevice. The grand tourney held in her honor became the focal point of this collective fervor, igniting a contagious sense of jubilation that crackled like static energy. With each passing moment, preparations for the momentous celebration unfurled, weaving a tapestry of anticipation and exhilaration.

The sun cast its golden rays upon the square of King's Landing, illuminating the grandeur of the tourney grounds. Banners, like vibrant brushstrokes against the azure sky, danced and swayed in the gentle breeze. They bore the proud sigils of noble houses, each one a testament to the diverse tapestry of the realm. Lions, wolves, dragons, and falcons all fluttered proudly, representing the rich heritage of the attendees.

The air was alive with the fragrant symphony of flowers, their scents mingling harmoniously. Blossoms of every hue burst forth from decorative arrangements, adorning archways and pathways with their vibrant petals. The delicate fragrance of roses intertwined with the sweet notes of lavender, creating an intoxicating aroma that enveloped the square.

Tents, majestic in their construction, dotted the grounds like a city of miniature castles. Their silk and satin walls billowed gracefully in the breeze, embellished with intricate embroidery and shimmering golden threads. Some tents were adorned with cascading vines, adorned with blooming flowers that spilled over the edges like nature's tapestry.

Knights, bedecked in gleaming armor that caught the sunlight, paraded through the square with an air of chivalry. The sound of their horses' hooves reverberated against the cobblestones, their noble steeds adorned with ornate saddles and bridles. The knights' helmets glinted with polished perfection, their crests swaying as they rode with pride.

Vaella, a vision of ethereal beauty, sat in the royal box with her family. Her gown, an exquisite blend of ivory and green, flowed like liquid silk, embracing her slender frame with grace. The delicate embroidery along the bodice depicted twisting vines and blooming flowers, mirroring the beauty of the surrounding gardens. Her silver-white hair cascaded in loose curls, each strand shimmering as if touched by moonlight.

The emerald ribbons woven through her hair seemed to catch the sunlight, casting a mesmerizing glow around her. Her eyes, a captivating shade of green, shone with anticipation and joy. Every glance, every smile she bestowed upon the crowd, was like a ray of sunshine, igniting the hearts of all who beheld her.

Viserys sat in the middle in the royal box with happiness displayed on his face for once after years of a dying sickness. The king seemed almost rejuvenated, his usual frailty replaced by a newfound strength that radiated from his very core. His eyes, once clouded with pain and weariness, now shone with a renewed vitality. The attendants, while astonished by the change, couldn't help but speculate about the cause. Whispers rippled through the air, weaving tales of the King's delirium, a glimpse into the past where he imagined his heir, deceased son, and dead wife participating in this very tourney.

As the anticipation for the tourney mounted, Aegon took a seat beside Vaella, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He raised his goblet in a toast, a playful smile gracing his lips. "My dear niece," he said, his voice laced with humor, "your celebration surpasses even the grandeur of my own wedding."