Thread: The Dance of Dragons [randomname98766789 and Izzy325]

For many years, the continent of Essos operated independently by region. Dothraki ran wild to the east, pillaging and killing at will. The Free Cities were each their own-city states, ruled by different government officials. Before the time of the Mad King, Essos saw the immigration of many Westerosi from the neighboring continent. Some did not agree with the current ruler and some did not wish to see the fate of a Targaryen ruler that planned to take the Iron Throne with his dragons. A few thousands of people leaving Westeros and journeying across the Narrow Sea turned into tens of thousands of people before it became hundreds of thousands of people. This worked wonders for Essos, making profit at a higher rate than ever before. Various nobility from Westeros banded together for a cause uniting the continent of Essos. It had never been done and it was difficult, but an army was forged between the new citizens of Essos and other regions within Essos that agreed with the ideals of the new people. The biggest problem had been the Dothraki. This army traveled inland and fought the Dothraki, eliminating the savages during each battle. By the time war had ended, most of Essos had united. Outliers existed like those cities of Slavers Bay and the remaining Dothraki Khalasars that survived. The majority of the continent had now joined together. Volantis was named the capitol city and a new stronghold was constructed to hold nobility. Volantis was the Essos version of Kings Landing. A King was even selected, and his name was Dallen Holt. Marrying into a nobility family that lived in Volantis, the King and his wife, Doreah, had two children a son named Adario and a daughter named Meshaena. In the present, Adario was now 23 years old and his sister was 19. Another similarity from Westeros was the concept of arranged marriages. Being the son and daughter of the King and Queen, they were both set to marry someone for a political alliance one day. With the new nation, there had not been any need for that until now. Adario spent his life in Volantis, learning as many languages as he can while training in swordsmanship and archery. Adario Holt held a love of learning and hoped to become a great King one day since he was the sole heir to the crown. That day might come sooner than later. The King Dallen Holt had fallen ill recently. He was growing older and his time was nearing an end. While he was still alive, Dallen decided it was time to find a match for his son and daughter. An interesting proposition had been suggested to the King. During Roberts Rebellion in Westeros, all Targaryens were murdered except for two Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen. They were siblings and they were exiled to Essos for their safety by Targaryen loyalists. They spent their lives living in Pentos. Viserys had visited Volantis to communicate with the King and a deal was made. The Targaryen name was still powerful, especially here in Essos. Adario would marry Daenerys and Meshaena would marry Viserys. Even though there was a King, he could not watch over the entire continent. Recently, the representative of Pentos had died and they were looking for a replacement. Each region did have a representative so they could communicate desires to the King. The King chose the replacements so after Viserys married the Kings daughter, he could take control of Pentos as well. Now, nobody knew the darker, sinister plan that Viserys had, not even his own sister, but Viserys presented the offer that could not be refused. The Holt siblings were excited to hear the news. They both had been looking forward to a possible marriage one day. It was even better to know that it would join them with the Targaryen heritage. Adario was half-Westerosi and half-Essos. A child with a Targaryen would combine those two heritages with Valyrian descendance among others. The Targaryen siblings had set off for Volantis. The wedding was not happening yet, however. It was customary for the future bride and groom to meet with one another before the wedding to get acquainted and assure themselves that they both agreed to the marriage. The bride and groom would spend time together each day but traditionally they did not sleep in the same room until they were married. Preparations were being made in Volantis, awaiting their arrival. Adario was quite excited to meet his bride as they waited outside the stronghold gates. The castle built in Volantis for royalty was named the Eaghton Keep. It was constructed from the strongest materials that the world had to offer with steel and iron being used in every location. It was quite secure it had to be because it was on the coast. From the highest tower, the carriages being led by Essos soldiers was approaching the Keep. The Targaryens were inside and approaching the stronghold. Later that evening, the carriages stopped outside of the gates as they opened to accept the new guests. Adario was waiting beside his sister and their mother. Today had been a particularly bad day for the King so he did not meet anyone outside as he rested in his quarters. The carriages stopped and Adario held his breath, waiting to finally meet his bride for the first time. He knew nothing about her other than she was rumored to be very beautiful, more beautiful than any woman in either Westeros or Essos. Long, whitish-blondish hair, piercing eyes, full lips, and a beautiful smile were all rumored for the woman. If she was even as half as gorgeous as the rumors, then it would be an incredible sight. Nonetheless, Adario hoped to love her regardless of how she looked because he believed in the power of true love and did not want their arrangement to be anything less than magical.