Author's Note:

As always thanks for the feedback. Enjoy the chapter.

.

.

.

Colonia

.

.

.

Lelouch vi Britannia felt his patience growing thin as he waited in the Red Temple. He stood in front of a huge stone bowl which had a giant flame as its resident. The heat wasn't very comfortable as he hated the hot temperature, after all, the weather in Essos was generally hot. Yet to move from his position was a show of weakness he could not afford in front of the crowd. He first assumed that they were servants, however, he remembered that the Red Religion used slaves. They call them slaves of R'hllor. They marked them like cattle; the justification wasn't even that good. The belief was that the life of the slaves belonged to R'hllor wholly.

He let the sneer appear on his face as he watched the flames flickering restlessly in the bowl while people dressed in red long robes moved around.

The high priests and priestesses were debating his apparent status which was a lie in itself. They let him stand like a peasant. It was an obvious power play. Even if his status would be recognized, this message - the whole show of domination - that was for him meant essentially that he would be just a puppet for them to direct. As if it was meant to humble him. What a joke.

He could smell the hypocrisy miles away. He wasn't a naive boy who insulted his father in front of his whole court in Pendragon. Not anymore at least. Everything was political. It was ingrained in the minds of humanity. Power for power's sake. Nothing more, nothing less.

He glanced slightly to the side and saw Melisandre staring at the flame totally fascinated. As much as he would deny, she grew to him in a certain fashion. Her antics lifted his spirit.

He was Lelouch vi Britannia, the Demon Emperor who destroyed the world and create it anew from the ashes of the past -

"Azor Ahai, the council will announce the decision. Please, follow me."

Kinvara led him and Melisandre to a giant hall. Slave warriors - the guards of the Red Temple - were positioned left and right with the spears ready in hand. He looked around and saw the admittingly beautiful aesthetics; a mix out of Greek and Roman architectures with little influence of Gothic similar to the churches in Britannia.

Marmor columns fixed the huge dome covered with greenish glass, giving the interior a mysterious greenlit illumination. The supporting pillars were ornamented with delicate sculptures of women with chokers while stone bowls with green fire replaced their faces.

Lelouch's eyes fixed on the middle of the whole hall. Around the giant stone bowl, stood the high priests and priestess while respectfully bowing their heads to the giant green violent fire. The shadows danced around the pillars, giving rise to monstrosities.

Melisandre was glued to him. He could feel her trembling body while she hugged him. His right hand rose and fell down on her little head, patting it very gently as he tried to comfort her. "It's alright." Her wide eyes laced with fear stared into his violet ones.

Kinvara whispered, "You stand in front of R'hllor." He already guessed it before.

He bent his knees, touching the cold polished marble ground while Melisandre did the same. He bowed his head for a moment. With his respect paid to the god, he asked softly, "What is the decision?"

"It was indeed foretold by R'hllor. We stand behind Azor Ahai's fire which carries the glory of our Lord. The taint of Valyrians shall be purged for once and for all!"

Lelouch suppressed his sigh at that. A political move. He was to be the symbol of a new crusade. No, not really. That was a very interesting move. Oh, he predicted something similar alright, but this was far too blunt for his tastes. They certainly wanted him dead. The fervent believer of the other religion which he assumed the Valyrians believed in, would all try to assassinate him. However, if he denounced the "Holy Crusade", it would weaken his title alone as it was apparently directly linked to the god's edict.

What a mess. A fine mess, indeed.

His lips twitched in amusement. He smirked. The smirk grew on his face. The maniac grin appeared. "I shall do as commanded by R'hllor." His words echoed through the hallowed hall.

A subtle glance to the head priest, he noticed the satisfied expression which was masked by a slight smile, but the eyes were the true gate into a soul. He deceived the High Priest with his convincing act. He would need to act very subtly to build his power base.

He had already a plan to undermine this moron who thought to control himself, the Demon Emperor. Such arrogance would need to be punished. All in good time.

His best bet was to divide the power of the whole council, let them war each other while he would infiltrate the foundation of the Red Temple. A la divide and conquer. Classical.

The High Priest called out, "Alysanne!"

"Azor Ahai, this servant of R'hllor shall lead you to your chamber." A slender girl who barely reached to his chest explained to him in a submissive manner more befitted of a slave than servant while her eyes had the fanatic gleam. Her hair glittered greenish in the light.

It reminded him of the Witch who set everything in motion. As quick as the light came, it vanished, giving way to her brown hair. A sad look passed over his face, after all, she was his only -

He felt his cold right hand squeezed by Melisandre's warm little hand.

"Azor Ahai, I have let the servants gather books in your room." Kinvara informed him in her usual soft voice.

"Thank you, Kinvara. Your efforts shall not go to waste."

"It is my duty, my prince." Her dedication was commendable and ultimately too useful to discard. "I serve R'hllor champion in everything and even" - Her breath hitched a little - "with my body if he so desires."

Lelouch fought very hard to remain expressionless. "Of course, but not today." She looked really disappointed at his refusal.

"Alysanne, lead the way." They followed her in silence.

His mind went over his possible assets. He had a ship to his name. He had a crew of rowers. He had guards, technically. They were at least loyal warriors with experience. He had salt. A compass. Molotov cocktails. And a scorpio.

Of course, magic was in his reach, now that he was in an institution whose members could use magic. Knowledge. Information.

Basically: A primitive transport vehicle. Luxury goods. Advanced tools. Men and women who would fight for him. A little political capital, although limited by the high priests and priestesses. Knowledge and information.

A good start capital for his venture in this Valyrian Colony. Although, it was more of a fortified trade harbour than a military outpost, even with soldiers patrolling every corner.

From what he had seen, the Valyrian Freehold was closer to the Romans than any other cultures, after all, the soldiers he saw marching in the streets where quite similar to the Roman legionaries. And, of course, the architecture of the buildings in the streets matched more that of the Ancient Roman architecture, certainly with a little twist like Gothic influences with the pointed arch.

The silence was disturbed as some Red Priestesses acknowledging him on the way to his chamber. "Azor Ahai."

As Alysanne led them through a pointed arch, he stopped and gripped the stone cold handrail of the balustrade. He looked down the streets. He really wouldn't want to jump down. Death was a certainty, but for him, he would remember the pain the most.

He saw a troop of guards patrolling the streets, a road plastered with stones like in Ancient Rome. His eyes fell onto the armour of the guards which was made up of metal strips that were cast into oval bands. The leather straps attached to the individual elements held the armour in place. The Lorica Segmentata. The segmented armour of the Roman Empire. The guards' helmets were the classical Galea of the Roman legionaries which glinted in the sun.

The metal was strange to say at least. He couldn't make head or tails if it was iron or steel.

Kinvara told him. "The finest Valyrīha legionarii of the Valyrian Freehold." He didn't turn to her and instead continued to observe them.

He asked, "What is the armour made of?"

"Valyrian steel." At his raised eyebrow, she elaborated. "If moulded into a blade, its sharpness is unrivalled. As an armour, it is weightless and indestructible."

Lelouch was sceptical. It couldn't be indestructible. It was definitely an exaggeration of the properties. Yet... in a world with dragons and magic, it stood to reason that there would be things which he couldn't explain with logic alone. At the moment, he was quite frankly uneducated, well, at least for the precise mechanics of this world.

Colourful masses of humans clothed in different tunics moved through the wide street. He even saw some who were dressed in Kimonos. The distinct flowery pattern dazzled Melisandre. "So pretty!"

The bright smile emitted from her, melted his heart as the resemblance was all too much. Nunnally.

To distract himself, he asked, "Where are these tunics with flowery pattern coming from?"

"A Yi Tish fashion style, from the further east of Essos. Does my master want it?" He grimaced a little as she called him a master.

Lelouch's fingers brushed against his simple red tunic which was made out of silk. He hummed in thought.

His tunic was grabbed by Melisandre who begged. "Please, Lelouch!" He didn't dare to look down.

Instead, he nodded.

"Azor Ahai." He could imagine her bow in respect before she went through the pointed arch and shouted, "Servant!"

He could faintly hear Alysanne speaking to the servant. "Fetch the tunics of the Yi Tish."

After Melisandre took her hands off him, he shifted the toga - which was said to be the chosen garment of Romulus - slightly. As the toga reflected the citizen's rank in Ancient Rome, so too reflected it his religious rank that of R'hllor's champion. The lighter shade of red complemented his darker tunic under it with the embroidery that was golden - in shapes of flames.

Lelouch relished in the sun as he closed his eyes for a moment. Honestly, his thoughts were in disorder. He couldn't just conquer a city and fight against the dominant power. Even if he had a grand army the likes of Napoleon who lost it in the cold, he surely would lose his army in the hot breath of the dragons.

He would need to fight battles where air superiority wouldn't matter at all.

Perhaps, he could do it like the generals of Ancient China.

One of the Thirty-Six Stratagems: Kill with a borrowed knife.

The enemy is too mighty for him to defeat in open battles, but he could perhaps use the might of discontent young Valyrian nobles to defeat the Freehold. He would change the Freehold from within like Suzaku tried with Britannia.

He chuckled at that. He ignored the curious looks he got and instead continued the train of thought.

Lelouch would need to charm a Valyrian Lady and use her as a Foothold to gain ground in the court. Although the Valyrian Freehold wasn't an Empire, it was also the farthest from a democracy. All freeholders had, in theory, a say in the governance, however, forty powerful noble families were, in the end, the true rulers. It made sense as these families were also the Dragonlords.

His next course of action, after he had enough knowledge to swim against the current, would be to integrate himself to a Valyrian Lady and show his usefulness to her. In time, he would be her only confident or even lover. It would be best if she was discontent but love was a powerful emotion bypassing all reasoning.

"Master, the Yi Tish tunic will be carried by the servants to the chamber." Alysanne's voice drew him out of his musings.

"What is that building, Alysanne?" She looked to where he had pointed.

"That is the Colosseo. The famous amphitheatre of the whole Valyrian Freehold. It was built by House Belaerys. The House who founded Volantis, the first colonia of the Valyrian Freehold."

Of course, the Roman similarities didn't just end there. Well, he hoped the forty families ruled like a Roman Senate.

He stated. "I assume the House Belaerys governs this colonia."

"Azor Ahai is wise." Obviously.

Kinvara said, "My prince, the plebeians speak of a conflict between the House Belaerys and the House Syndraenys." He hummed in thought.

Perhaps, the Syndraenys hired the privateers to disturb the flow of trade for House Belaerys. Certainly, a possibility. Such conflict was a perfect opportunity for him.

"Say Kinvara, is there a major war going on?"

She answered, "Small skirmishes at the border with the Rhoynar."

Lelouch couldn't help himself as he grinned fully. "Does House Belaerys accept mercenaries?"

"Yes, House Belaerys announced it moons ago, Azor Ahai." He could detect her confusion.

"I assume House Syndraenys wants to declare war on these Rhoynar while House Belaerys did not." At her nod of confirmation, he deduced that House Syndraenys hired the privateers with the goal to bait House Belaerys into a position where they would have to vote for declaring war or else they would be seen as weak. After all, being attacked was a blemish to one's reputation and more so if one did not defend it with steel; in this case, dragonfire.

He laughed. Masterful done. He clapped.

Kinvara had a puzzled look while Melisandre just stared inquisitively at him before she went to continue admiring the view.

The laugh dissipated, the smirk yet gone. It was only a question of time until a war would be sparked between the Valyrians and the Rhoynar. He would use that to advance his social position and build connections outside the Red Temple.

And with the religious title, he could call many to his arms for a Holy Crusade against the Rhoynar which he assumed had a different religion.

However, he would need to confirm that. "Kinvara, do the Rhoynar believe in R'hllor?" She shook her head sadly.

"Well then, it is time to light the path for these heretics." He spoke with zeal, immersing himself in the role of Azor Ahai, a pious champion who was the instrument of R'hllor.

Lelouch glanced slightly to Kinvara and could see the effects. She was captivated by the words. Her maniac grin couldn't be far off his own, only that his reasons were totally different. The religion was only a tool for him to advance his own agenda.

Yet, he was faced with doubts. Did he really need to lead humanity against the extinction? After all, he knew his sister inherited the peaceful world he created. But... He admitted to himself that he did not just create peace for his sister alone. The gentle world was ever present, it just would need to be weeded out of the stains.

Lelouch muttered in Japanese, "The goodness of human nature, huh." He realized it. As much as he would want to call himself a pragmatist, he was indeed quite an idealist.

He smiled wistfully as he said, "People will continue to seek happiness no matter how long it takes."

He had not fought for Nunnally alone, no, he fought for all the goodness that was hidden in humanity behind the stained glass. His look wandered to Melisandre whose jaw hung loosely as she watched the street performer surprising the crowd as they juggled torches.

This violent world, he would destroy it completely and create the everlasting utopia, he so wished for the good of all. That was his promise to Melisandre.

They lingered on the balcony while watching the humans moving around like busy bees until the sun went down and the moonlight shone through the streets which were illuminated by paper lanterns similar to the lamps of Ancient China.

Although, he noticed some oil lamps in between the masses of paper lanterns. How multicultural.

A sizzling noise in the sky made Lelouch curious. He looked up and saw the firework as it flew straight into the sky until it exploded in a colourful fashion.

"Oh!" Melisandre was quite taken by it.

Kinvara told them, "The Lion's blessing was invented by the Yi Tish alchemists who called themselves Daoists."

Gunpowder was within his reach. Or how the Daoist would surely call it: fire medicine. The formula for that was ten percent sulfur, fifteen percent Charcoal and seventy-five percent Potassium nitrate which was also known as saltpeter.

"The Lion's blessing?" He assumed that it was something religious or a reflection of the Emperor of Yi Ti.

"A tribute to one of the Yi Tish deities, Lion of Night." She told him with a straight face, yet he saw how her lips curled in distaste.

"Interesting." A different name for the firework was certainly interesting.

Melisandre shouted, "Dragons!" He squinted his eyes and saw the Dragonriders flying and performing loops to the delight of the little girl. Some dragons even spat fiery balls as they played tag with each other. The Dragonriders continued to perform until the show was stolen by a column of fire which rose into the sky and spread outwards into a dome.

Kinvara said in awe, "R'hllor's glory washed over us." He could feel the heat of the dome.

As quickly as it appeared, it vanished as if it was just an illusion. Yet, fireworks continued to lighten the sky up in different exotic colours. A beautiful display of wealth and power.

He deduced that the Dragonriders in the sky were vassals of House Belaerys as Volantis was obviously under their rule.

"Kinvara, arrange a meeting with House Belaerys."

"As you wish, Azor Ahai."

He looked to his side and saw Melisandre rubbing her blue eyes, obviously tired from the show. "Alysanne, lead the way."

The walk to their chamber wasn't as long as he feared it would be, fortunately, he really just wanted to lay on his bed and close his eyes.

The bed was cozy at least. He heard Melisandre sighing relieved.

Lelouch would have closed his eyes long ago if there wasn't someone standing beside the bed and staring at him.

He sighed. "Kinvara, what do you want?"

Her rosy cheeks were tinted slightly red as she answered, "I am ready to serve Azor Ahai with my body."

He felt a headache coming. "No." He had no energy to be polite at all.

Her disappointed look didn't change his mind as she walked like a hurt animal out of the chamber.

The sun rays announced the morning as his eyes adjusted to the bright light. The sleep did him good. He turned his head to the side and saw servants holding the red Kimono with a golden flame pattern.

Lelouch heard Melisandre stirring in her sleep. She hugged him fiercely while her finger clawed his body. The discomfort made him consider getting up the bed.

So he whispered, "Melisandre." At her name, her eyes opened slowly and she yawned. She blinked at his stare and said, "Lelouch, ñāqatubis!"

"Good morning." With that, he got up from the bed and the servants immediately surrounded him as they helped him in the Kimono. He didn't like that but it was better to endure it for a minute.

Kinvara informed him as they walked through the streets. "Azor Ahai, I have arranged a meeting with the representative of House Belaerys."

"Where and when will it be?"

"At the bathhouse at vōre ñāqatubis." Nine in the morning which was the equivalent of nine ante meridiem of the 12-hour clock.

The Valyrian Bathhouse was a remnant influence of the long gone Ghiscari Empire, one of the oldest civilizations that once ruled Essos.

Kinvara had read him the books hours ago as his grasp of High Valyrian wasn't high enough for that.

The Ghiscari Wars, Five Wars, were fought between the Ghiscari Empire and the rising Valyrian Freehold over the dominance of Essos. The Valyrians won the last war and destroyed the once proud Empire. The last cities of Ghiscari were reduced to colonies of Valyria while the population was enslaved as result for their defiance.

Alysanne lead them to the bathhouse while he watched the street vendors left and right, selling their beautifully crafted wares.

"Lelouch, please!" He smiled as he saw her pointing to a stand which sold necklaces with colourful stones.

He nodded at Alysanne who spoke with the vendor, "My master desires the ruby choker."

"Twelve sheep." It was the official currency of the Valyrian Freehold. A reminder of the heritage and a tribute to their ancestors.

After the transaction, Melisandre smiled happily with the choker tightly bound around her petite neck. The walk to the bathhouse continued.

Lelouch noticed slaves cleaning the streets with brooms while wearing a white tunic. He could faintly recognize the symbol of the Valyrian Freehold; a golden dragon surrounded by forty black sheep. The Valyrians were definitely proud of their ancestors, even if they were once shepherds. It certainly reminded him of the legends of Romulus, the founder of Rome.

These slaves were properties of the state, he realized. His mood was a little sombre but he didn't let it drag him down. He had promised himself that he would bring his ideal in the world.

They arrived at the bathhouse which was from the exterior quite similar to a Roman bathhouse. Servants of House Belaerys welcomed them. "Welcome to Belaerys' hot water." How interesting.

"Lady Belaerys already awaits you, Azor Ahai." He raised his eyebrows. Well, he didn't quite expect that, but it wasn't exactly a surprise as he heard some interesting rumours.

"Kinvara, watch Melisandre while I am meeting the representative." She nodded.

The bathhouse was huge. The interior was a giant hall. The giant pillars supported the small open dome. He saw statues of dragons around the massive pool. He felt the warmth as he touched the clear water.

"I hope it is to your satisfaction, Azor Ahai." The female voice greeted him at the end of the pool. He looked and saw her. The violet eyes stared back at him as he admired her silver-gold hair which was typical Valyrian.

"I am Jaenara Belaerys, the representative of House Belaerys you will speak to." She smiled at him gracefully.

He too smiled and said, "Please, call me Lelouch Lamperouge, champion of R'hllor." He hid his discomfort behind the smile. Both of them were naked in the water.

Jaenara Belaerys stared into his eyes, scrutinizing them and asked, "Are you of Valyrian blood?"

"Yes, my mother was a proud Valyrian." He lied without effort. In a negotiation, one would need to be on equal grounds or in a superior position to be successful. He predicted that she would change her conduct by seeing his eyes alone. It would give him an advantage he could press to gain leverage.

She smiled genuinely. "A cultivated man. I feared the Azor Ahai would be some barbarian."

"Please call me Jaenara."

"As you wish, my Lady," said Lelouch, "and of course you can just call me Lelouch in return."

She hummed a satisfied noise.

The instant she stopped humming, her smile vanished completely as she stared seriously at him. "I heard interesting rumours, Lelouch."

"Rumours of a Holy Crusade against the Valyrian gods." He smiled disarming at her and said, "Just rumours of zealous priests and priestesses."

"House Belaerys will not need to worry about such baseless rumours. My title is just that, a title for the common believers." She smirked at his chosen words.

"Why do you think I was chosen as the representative?" Of course, he was prepared for the meeting since yesterday. He knew why she was chosen for such a task which required delicate skills in a battle of words.

He hummed in thought.

"Perhaps, a punishment?" She disobeyed the Lord of the House in a childish fit. So the rumours said.

"Indeed."

The conversation fell into silence as he relished in the warm water. However, his mind raced at the clues she hinted. Jaenara began with the official negotiation that was asking him as the representative of the Red Temple if he was being serious with the Holy Crusade against the Valyrian belief. Then she tested his shadow knowledge.

Now, he would need to test the waters. "I heard the Rhoynars are being an annoyance at the borders."

"Oh, that they are." She confirmed.

He admired the stone dragons close to him. "War is an opportunity to gain glory."

"Glory is but a foolish dream."

"Yet, others acknowledge it." He countered.

She frowned.

Lelouch pushed on. "A Holy Crusade against the Rhoynar would soothe ruffled feathers."

She looked at him and said, "And what will House Belaerys get out of this?"

He stared into her eyes. "Not House Belaerys." - He paused - "But you, Jaenara, will get the might of the Red Temple."

Her eyes widened a little at his blunt words. "A-Are you serious?"

Lelouch smirked widely. "Of course."

In the end, she invited him officially to the Colosseo in the name of House Belaerys.

The Colosseo was, well, like he imagined the Colosseum of Ancient Rome would be. Massive rows of plebeians cheering the fighting gladiators in the pit while the nobles at better seats which were protected against the sun. He was with his entourage in the special booth with Jaenara Belaerys who held a greenish glass cup in her hand.

"The finest wine of the whole Freehold." He took a sip and felt the fiery hot taste. It burned his throat a little.

He couldn't suppress his cough which got a chuckle out of her. Damn. A ploy to make himself uncomfortable. To unbalance him.

"It tasted certainly much better."

"Who do you think would win?"

Lelouch concentrated on the fight in the pit. A spearman versus a swordsman. He predicted that the spearman would win if he could leverage the reach of his weapon while holding the swordsman at bay. However, if the swordsman could successfully get into the guard of the spearman, he would win.

"The spearman." She nodded.

The swordsman deflected a spear thrust, but the spearman just blocked the strike of the sword with the shaft of the spear. The spearman slid his grip closed to the spear point and used that to control the spear better in close quarters as the swordsman got into the guard. With a quick bash of the end of the spear shaft, his opponent laid on the ground, unconscious.

"I have thought about your proposal, Lelouch." He listened attentively.

"We can help each other out."

While smiling he said, "Naturally."

.

.

.

.

.

.

Author's Note:

Yes, G.R.R Martin did take a little inspiration from Ancient Rome for the Valyrians. So with that in mind, I built the world after my own image with the little clues he provided. The research that went into this chapter was certainly interesting.

I hope you liked my portrayal of the Valyrian Society. Of course, Volantis is an outpost at the border, so that's that for different cultures. After all, it is a trade harbour.

Well, politics. Intrigues. And war. This was to build up the foundation. Worldbuilding and character interactions.

You know the drill: Tell what you liked or don't liked.