ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ38

                                    

                                          
The family gathered near the edge of the Dragonpit, the wind tugging at their cloaks. The air was heavy with unspoken emotions as Daemon, Rhaenyra, Baela, Rhaena, Baelfire, Rhaenys, Corlys, and even young Joffrey stood together, watching as the older Velaryon children prepared to depart. 
It was a solemn yet determined farewell, one filled with pride and worry in equal measure.
Rhaena and Baela had their arms wrapped tightly around Renesmee, who chuckled as she returned the embrace. "Don't cause any trouble, you hear me," Rhaena scolded lightly, though her voice held more affection than reprimand.
Renesmee smirked. "You do realize you're older than me by just a year, right?"
Rhaena rolled her eyes. "And yet, you act like you've lived a hundred lifetimes. Someone has to keep you grounded."
Baela grinned mischievously. "Just don't forget to rain down hellfire if they test you."
"Baela!" Rhaena shot her sister a sharp look and playfully slapped her arm. "Don't encourage her. She'll actually do it."
Renesmee smirked but said nothing, her confidence radiating in the tilt of her chin.
Corlys and Rhaenys approached next, their faces a blend of pride and caution. Corlys placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Take care, Renesmee," he said, his tone a mixture of command and warmth.
"I will," Renesmee promised, her voice steady. She was pulled into a strong embrace, the Sea Snake's rare display of affection not lost on her. 
When they pulled apart, Rhaenys gave her a firm nod, one that Renesmee returned with quiet respect.
Not far off, Lucerys stood beside Aemma, tightening Arrax's reins with a visible nervousness. Aemma, as always, exuded calm confidence, though she kept glancing at her brother, her concern for him thinly veiled.
"Lucerys, Aemma," Rhaenyra called to them, her voice carrying over the wind.
Both children turned in unison, their gazes meeting their mother's as she approached. Rhaenyra's expression was soft but serious, her worry etched into every line of her face.
"Storm's End is a short flight," Rhaenyra began, looking between them. "You'll arrive in no time. Remember, you are not just messengers—you are dragonriders, representatives of House Targaryen and Velaryon. Hold your heads high."
"I know, Mother," Aemma replied confidently, her voice steady.
Lucerys, however, looked less certain. His gaze darted between his mother and his dragon, his shoulders tense. Rhaenyra stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his arm.
"Lucerys," she said gently, her voice dropping to a softer tone, "I know you may feel apprehensive, but you have Arrax. He will protect you, as he always has. You are a Targaryen. You have courage in your blood."
Lucerys nodded, though the worry in his eyes remained. "I'll try, Mother. I just... I just don't want to fail."
"You won't," Rhaenyra reassured him, stroking his hair. "You're stronger than you think, Lucerys. And you are never alone. Remember that."
Lucerys smiled weakly, his heart bolstered by her words, though his doubts still lingered. His gaze shifted to Aemma, who was watching him closely, her expression unreadable.
Rhaenyra followed his gaze and noticed the silent tension between her children. She turned to Aemma, her brow furrowing. "What's wrong?" she asked, her tone gentle but probing.
Lucerys hesitated before speaking, his voice tight with frustration. "Aemma told me... she said she'd sacrifice herself for me if something went wrong."