Chapter 155: Aerion XXVII

Aerion coughed. His lungs were burning, but he knew he still had the one last great speech in him. He blinked, this had all started after his sixtieth nameday, and as such he was sure this was old age coming to catch up with him. Sixteen years after his son and daughter had gotten married to the Blackfyres, to seal the crowning achievement of his reign. Jaehaerys and Rohanne were a good Princely couple, and their four children were definitely the gem in the crown. Maekar had married Stark's daughter and their rule over Summerhall was consolidated, Aelor was rising through the ranks and Aerion was sure that he would become Grand Maester soon, perhaps when Aemon had passed on. And then there was Alyssa, his beautiful Alyssa, she had married Jon Arryn, the new Lord of the Eyrie, and it seemed their marriage was good. Dyanna and her husband had produced seven children as well, and they had recently ascended the throne after Haegon had died.

He had formed a good friendship with the Blackfyre King in the end. Aerion coughed, then said. "Jaehaerys." His firstborn son appeared at his side. "My son," he took his son's hand and said. "From the moment you entered this world you have been my pride and joy, I know you have the tools to become a great King, ensure that you listen to your wife, and to your councillors, and ensure that you never ever go to bed angry."

"Yes, Father," Jaehaerys said.

Aerion then waved his other children over. "Maekar, you are to be your brother's rock. Ensure that you listen to them and provide him with counsel when the time is right, and never, ever forget where you come from." Maekar bowed his head, hiding tears. "Aelor, you are the one who will bring great knowledge to the family, ensure that you learn everything you can from Aemon." His son nodded. Alyssa cried as she came near him. "Do not forget your family." He whispered to her.

He hugged her, and then his grandchildren, one by one, whispering soft things into their ears, to reassure them. He then lay back against the pillow, as Aegon and Aemon came. His brothers looked tired, just as he felt. "I always knew it would be you two who would remain out of the four brothers." Aerion joked. "You both were always the smartest of us. I thank you for your years of service and your council. I trust you will advise Jaehaerys and guide him well."

"Of course, brother." They both replied.

Bloodraven, the old cunt came next, the man didn't seem to have aged a day, whether that was due to some form of magic or not, he did not know, and truth be told he did not really care. "Your Majesty." Bloodraven said, bowing his head.

"So, you have shown that you are indeed useful as master of whispers. I admit I did not like you all that much when I was younger, and I still don't. But you have proven to be a useful servant to the crown, and a loyal one. I thank you for that. And your wife also. I know things have gone around and round between us, but truly, thank you for your service. I trust you will serve my son as you have served me." Aerion said, it was becoming harder to breathe now.

"I will, Sire." Bloodraven replied.

Aerion nodded, then waved a dismissal. The one person he wanted to see the most came then. She sat on the bed next to him, and took his hand in hers. Just as it had done all those years ago, his heart skipped a beat. "Aelora, my love." He murmured. "You have been my closest companion, my friend and my greatest love, for my entire life. I thank the day you were born and the day you gave me a chance. I thank you for everything, I do not think I could express in words what you mean to me. My only regret is that I will not be here with you right till the end."

Aelora wiped a tear from his cheek. "I know, my love. And I love you just as much as you do me. It is okay for you to depart now though, I know you are in pain. I will be here with you, right till the end, just as we promised all those years ago."

Aerion smiled, coughed, then whispered. "I love you, and I always will."

"I know." His wife replied.

Aerion closed his eyes, he felt his breathing slow down, and as he slipped into sleep, he saw his father and mother, and Daeron, and the gates were beginning to open, there was a gold sunshine that hit his face. He turned back, Aelora was there, urging him forward. "I will see you again, Aelora." He said.

"I know, my love. Now go, I will see you again." Aelora replied.