#hotd characters

Cregan Stark X Targaryen reader

•Cregan and his wife prepare for the Festival of the first snow. During the festival the sneak off to the Gods wood.

•Wife is referred to as y/n. Small description of her. Targaryen features.One mention of being petite.

♡

Cregan Stark leaned back in his chair, the crackling fire in his study casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. The scent of burning wood mingled with the faint aroma of parchment and ink, creating a comforting atmosphere as he reviewed the plans for the upcoming Winter Festivals. The Festival of the First snow was to take place in a matter of days, marking the onset of winter. His brow furrowed in concentration, but a soft laugh broke his focus.

“Cregan, you look as if you’re preparing for a battle rather than a celebration,” y/n , his wife, teased, her voice light and melodic. She stood by the window, her silver hair catching the firelight, framing her face like a halo.

Cregan smiled, his heart warming at the sight of her. “Perhaps I am. The Northmen can be a rowdy lot after too much drink. I must ensure we have enough mead to keep them merry and not too rowdy.”

She turned to him, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief. “And what of the women? They deserve to be entertained as well. We should plan games for the children and stories for the ladies. Perhaps a dance beneath the stars?”

“Dance?” Cregan echoed, his voice low and teasing. “You know I have two left feet, y/n”. I’d sooner wrestle a direwolf than dance.”

She laughed, the sound brightening the room. “Then I shall teach you, my wolf. We will make it a night to remember.”

As they discussed their plans, y/n moved closer, her presence filling the space with warmth. They spoke of the traditions of the festival’s—the feasting, the storytelling, the games, and the honoring of the Old Gods. Each idea sparked excitement between them, weaving their hearts closer like the intricate patterns of the tapestries that adorned Winterfell’s walls.

The next night, the great hall of Winterfell was adorned with evergreens and flickering candles, casting a warm glow over the long wooden tables. The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine filled the air, and laughter echoed as the Northmen gathered, their spirits high. Cregan, ever the young wolf, sat among the men, sharing tales of bravery and adventure, his voice strong and commanding.

y/n, sat across the hall with the women, radiating beauty in a deep sapphire gown that hugged her figure perfectly, the fabric shimmering like the stars. Cregan’s breath caught as he caught sight of her, his heart racing like the thundering hooves of a charging wolf. Their eyes met across the hall, and in that moment, the noise of the festival faded into the background.

He admired the way her laughter danced in the air, how her eyes sparkled with mischief, and how she moved with grace. Cregan felt a warmth spread through him, a primal need to be near her, to claim her as his own. The way she tilted her head and smiled made him forget the stories he was telling, and he found himself lost in thoughts of her.

As the night wore on, a group of men began to share a particularly wild story of a hunt gone wrong, their voices rising in excitement. “And there we were, facing down a bear as big as a horse!” one man boasted, his arms gesturing wildly. The hall erupted in laughter, but Cregan’s attention was divided. He caught his wife’s gaze again, and she raised her cup, a playful smile on her lips.

Time slipped away, and many looks were passed between the pair, and soon the feast began to wind down. y/n stood to leave, her dress flowing behind her like a whisper of the wind. As she walked towards the doors, she glanced back, locking eyes with Cregan once more. He couldn’t help but notice the way her hips swayed and her dress hugged her waist enhancing her figure. He needed her. He felt like a wolf during a full moon, drawn to her, filled with a longing that was both fierce and gentle. He wasn’t used to these feelings that consumed him whenever she was near but he knew it was love.

As soon as she exited the hall, Cregan rose, his instincts guiding him. He followed her out, careful to avoid the prying eyes of the other guests. He saw her slip into the Godswood, the ancient trees standing sentinel around her.

Cregan stealthily moved through the dense underbrush of the God’s Woods, the moonlight filtering through the branches above, casting a silver glow that danced across the forest floor. His heart raced, not from the thrill of the chase but from the intoxicating presence of her. She moved like a whisper among the trees, a vision that stirred something primal within him. He craved her like a wolf starved, every instinct urging him to close the distance between them.

As she reached a clearing, y/n settled onto a wooden stump by the water's edge, her silhouette framed by the shimmering reflections of the moon. Cregan paused, taking in the sight of her—such a petite, perfect thing, yet she had such power over him. He stepped forward, a playful smirk crossing his lips. "You know, it’s dangerous to wander these woods alone. What if a hungry wolf were to come along?"

She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I’d just have to show that wolf who’s really in charge, wouldn’t I?" Her playful tone sent a shiver down his spine, igniting a fire of desire within him. Cregan couldn't help but chuckle, his cockiness shining through. "I’d like to see you try. But I must warn you, I don’t play fair."

The chase was on. She stood up, a teasing smile on her lips as she darted away, her laughter echoing through the trees. Cregan was quick to follow, weaving through the trunks, his heart pounding not just from exertion but from the thrill of the pursuit. He relished the game, the way her energy electrified the air around them. "Catch me if you can!" she called out, glancing back at him with a playful challenge.

With each step, he felt the desperation growing within him—he needed to catch her, to claim this moment. Finally, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her waist just as she reached another clearing. She squealed in surprise, and he spun her around, their faces inches apart. "Got you," he breathed, his voice low and teasing.

y/n’s eyes sparkled with a mix of challenge and delight. "You think you’ve won, don’t you? But this isn’t over yet." She leaned closer, her breath warm against his skin, and for a moment, time stood still. Cregan's heart raced, the playful banter giving way to something deeper, more desperate. "Oh, I’m counting on it," he replied, his voice thick with longing, as he leaned in, ready to savor the taste of victory.

Rhaenyra's youngest sons, Aegon the Younger and Viserys, have absolutely no role or character change or any effect on the plot -> neither immediate nor future development... Meanwhile, for people who know, they are at the Battle in the Gullet with a dragon, and an egg is absolutely necessary for the end of the war and a few years afterward

Lucerys' death doesn't cut the Baratheons totally from Rhaenyra and make them one of Aegon's staunchest supporters; instead, Borros is MIA and Lucerys' death means nothing and has no political ramifications; it's just to make Rhaenyra's grief aesthetic even though by the looks of things, people are not connecting and letting matter how she lost 3 children to this war, instead flatly calling her "incompetent" as if she would have displayed these behaviors regardless of what is happening to her...which goes into the next point

the show insistent on giving Alicent or convincing its audience to show Alicent grace for her many stupid decisions, esp with Helaena finally confronting why/how Alicent thought it would be a good idea for her to marry the brother Alicent knew was and would continue to be abusive instead of anyone else; some have said Alicent justg wanted to keep her close bc of love, others remark it's still a failure bc Alicent right now is constantly trying to get her and Helaena out, meaning that Alicent--too late as per ususal--finally acknowledges that KL is not safe for Helena and should have thought of this BEFORE marrying her to her own brother, where she'd be in the thick of any conflict between Alicent sons and the blacks…Alicent's love doesn't make her a good mother, not when Jace was a candidate for Helaena's hand and the union, as Rhaenyra pointed out, would have smoothed things over b/t the factions, but Alicent refused not for her daughter's sake but for her own pride (realm this, realm that…sure)

Alicent is given the grace people will not allow Rhaenyra even though several of Alicent's actions have been irrationally made to assuage her own rage, all being mistaken for her wanting "peace" when it's really her wanting to run away from responsibility -> this could have been good as a re-characterization if it weren't for the fact the show continues to pose her as being the voice of reason instead of mundane desperation

Rhaena's rewrite through her merging with Nettles; Jeyne Arryn; theme of regrettable exchanges for a long-envied dream of power to mirror Rhaenyra's descent into paranoid "madness" -> RACISM/MISOGYNOIR -> EXACT QUOTE FROM A TWITTER POST: "the realm put dunk through a whole humiliation ritual just for laying a hand on a targaryen and baelor literally lost half his head for less in the process what is this writing"

Daemon publicly and deliberately beating one of their low-born dragonriders even with Ulf temporarily leaving them exposed by abandoning his post -> originally, Daemon is the one to say that they need to make sure to give these guys castles to ensure their complacent loyalty, emphasizing that they are both their strength and their vulnerability

constant sexual assault to add to what was already in the orig story, yet no depiction of Daeron's choices at Tumbleton that led to even more rape -> due to Maelor's lack of presence

another thing about Rhaena, specifically on Condal's (to date) justification for why no Nettles (Twitter Quote): "ryan condal said nettles was cut bcz he felt a NOBLE LADY claiming a wild dragon would be more interesting (lol) he also admitted the decision was driven by a desire to preserve rhaenyra & daemon’s relationship and you lots said grrm was too harsh towards him?"

How Rhaena, rider of Dreamfyre and one of the "Black Brides", figures into the story by Syrax replacing her dragon as laying Daenerys' eggs so that Alys can seduce Aemond...

Rhaenyra given a lot of doubt as to the validity of her claim in lieu of the suffering she is put through as well as needing a dreamer to validate her cause in Helaena...again, it's the constant search for validation as well as the religiosity pushed into this story that was originally mostly political

Criston Cole having no development after his break with Rhaenyra, a lack of exploration of his new (show, bc he's not Dornish in the orig tale, nor is he actually "commonborn"; originally, his dad was still a noble man and so is he, even minor) Dornish characterization in the show (the claim is that "people change"...sure, him sleeping with another royal woman and having spited and insulted Rhaenyra every chance he got out of a misplaced feeling of abandonment is "unrealistic" for some men..yeah, that the point and no it happens in real life all the time) AND seemingly no "proof" of his having been the greatest warrior of his time esp with how he died anticlimatically -> couple that with an idea of the Stark Winter Wolves being supposedly "dishonorable" for allowing him to die without defending himself...a traitor's death

Alicent Hightower

To me, they were done the most dirty in terms of costumes. Older members first because they establish the world the young ones inherited. So they set the fashion of the house.

Corlys Velayron.

For me, the thought is that Corlys is two things, wealthy and beyond the idea of Westeros. He is the sailor of the nine Voyages, the head of the richest House in Westeros. The pleasantries his title should afford are outweighed by his acclaim and place in history. He is a player in the game, but in appearance, he's beyond fairness. Extravagant jewels and patterns from trading and rich materials that scream, we all know the one thing that kept me from that throne.

Rhaenys Targaryen Velayron

Mother is a Baratheon, a Velayron, and a Targaryen. She's also the style icon of her house. She grew up the seeming heir to the iron throne and is the wife of Lord Corlys. Her ability to play the part of reconciled Princess is only counteracted by her love of Targaryen heraldry. Or the red queen Melyes'. If she is the queen who never was, she should remind them as to why. Her house is also huge in trade. We can’t forget that this is the daughter of Jocelyn Baratheon. She doesn't choose sides, she invokes the memory of Jaehaerys' reign itself.

Laenor Velayron

Baby Laenor

So baby Laenor doesn't have much of a place of court, but he is Corlys' heir and expected to be a man of the court. So I think he's dripped out like the heir of house Velayron but dressed for the court by Rhaenys. The combination of the best of both his parents.

Teen Laenor.

Locs grow in 5 years, they grow a lot more than they do in the show and I don't know why Laenor didn't have longer locs. There is this duality that he can't reconcile his sexuality and what is expected of him, but I do think this is when he decides to play the part of an eligible bachelor. Even though he's still a Velayron, he's dressing more like his mom. Big and high hair. Robes and overall Westeros peak fashion. But also pretty boy loc styles. Setting the standard for Lord Consort.

Adult Laenor.

Okay, so this is the last part. We see Laenor in full dress once, maybe and never again. He's disillusioned from court and what is expected of him. He's dresses still like his position and represents his faction, but he longs to be somewhere he's wanted and belongs. He's isolated from his daily life and is trying his best. He's just a hollow placeholder for his former determined self. This is also the introduction of Velayron head scarves because they look cool.

Laena Velayron Targaryen

Baby Laena.

So, like everyone else, she is the set standard like her mother and father. She is the richest lady in Westeros. She does her hair in different styles that seem to reflect the dresses she wears, and the dresses she wears communicate her want to travel like her father. When she is presented to Viserys, it's almost a gaudy expression of the house Velayron and heir wealth. With style cues of both Rhaenys and Corlys, her outfit communicates the potential reach of this alliance and all that is at stake. But her hair is still childish, and the style stifles her.

Teen Laena

Baddest bitch in Westeros is back with her revenge arc. Her hair has evolved but is still ever-changing with both twists that look like locs and hair styles that communicate a maturity from her. Every time you see her because it is at this point you see her with Viserys and at the wedding she is looking like she's in a revenge dress. Her style is more adapted to Westeros with a love of Essos Fabrics and Patterns and corsets that look like the shipwright women of Driftmark. She is also now a dragonrider, so I think that adds to the confidence. She's also the most wanted match to have based on power along. Rider of Vhagar and the only daughter of the house Velayron. We never see her more true to her love of Driftmark. She revels in her wealth and power.

Adult Laena.

Two things. She's pregnant and she wants to go home. She's a traveller with Daemon, so I don't think she's going out of her way to dress in King's Landing fashion. That's not the way she misses home. She misses her mom, so she has high hair, still with twists instead of locs to symbolise her missing the men and blues and robes because she's in Essos, but she's a Velayron. Big jewels like her father and mother. This is her emulating her family because she wants them, wants her children to be familiar, this is Laena missing her old self.

Vaemond Velayron.

Uncle Vaemond is a Velayron man through and through. He'd have the smallest locs we'd see because he's on Driftmark and able to maintain it. He dresses in the colours of his house and in the fashion of Pentoshi traders. He's the most Essos leaning man in Westeros you'd see outside of Dorne. He has the freedom of the second son and shows that off in his styles. He is of House Velayron and does not care to appease house Targaryen in their quests for expanding power.

𝐀𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐬 𝐈 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐞𝐧

INFP

Hufflepuff

Lawful Good

Queen of Cups Reversed 

Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising

The second King to sit the Iron Throne, Aenys was the son of Aegon the Conquorer and his sister-wife, Rhaenys Targaryen. He was the first and only child between the two. 

 However, he was the eldest son of Aegon’s, as his other was Maegor, by his other sister-wife, Visenya. 

Born on Dragonstone, ss a baby Aenys was small and sickly. Said to be slow to grow, he hated being away from his mother. But once he bonded with his dragon, Quicksilver, he began to thrive. 

  He was three years old when his mother died in Dorne, and this shattered him. 

Unlike his brother, Aenys was slimmer yet as tall as his father with lilac eyes, pale skin and curly blonde hair. He was five years older than Maegor, but never matched him in size. 

As well as in looks, he was also the opposite to his brother in demeanour and personality. He was kindhearted, soft-spoken and wished to be loved by everyone. He was also very charming, and women flocked to him. 

  A studious man, who didn’t lack courage, Aenys was an adequate fighter. Training began to bore him and soon he seeked out the company of maesters and septons, and dabbled in alchemy, astronomy, and astrology.

 Aenys was married to Alyssa Velaryon, as a political move. Together they had six children; three sons, (Aegon, Viserys and Jaehaerys), and three daughters, (Rhaena, Alysanne and Vaella). The relationship between the two was seen as loving and Aenys cared deeply for his children. 

During his reign, rebellion broke out as various men sought power. Aenys was going to send word to the rebels, asking why they were rebelling as he thought he was as he should be. But it was his brother that squashed the majority of the rebellion. Afterward, he named Maegor Hand of the King, and they ruled amicably for two years. 

  Aenys betrothed his eldest son, Aegon, to his eldest daughter, Rhaena and there was a huge negative reaction amongst the Faith as well as the people. And yet, a usual indecisive Aenys was adamant about this decision. 

  During the wedding, Aenys gave the title of Prince of Dragonstone to Aegon, which was Maegor’s. Visenya left the reception in protest. 

Septon Murmison was expelled from the Faith as he had performed the wedding ceremony between Aegon and Rhaena. 

During the royal progress that went throughout the realm, Aegon and Rhaena were heckled wherever they went. Rhaena, who had been bonded to Dreamfyre, wanted to bring her mount with her. However, Aenys denied her request as Aegon didn’t have a dragon and he didn’t want the realm to see him as unmanly because of it. 

  When the High Septon titled Aenys as King Abomination, Septon Murmison was hacked to pieces and subsequently, signaling the start of the Faith Militant uprising.