Gasps filled the air as the group was suddenly transported outside a small town on the island. The crew fell to their knees, bowing low, trembling at the display of magic. To them, this could only be the work of a god.
Simon glanced around, calm and composed, and approached one of the townsfolk."Is there someone in charge here?" he asked.
The man nodded quickly and returned with a middle-aged figure, introducing him as the town chief.
"Would it be an inconvenience to take these people in?" Simon asked politely.
The town chief smiled and shook his head. "We lack for nothing here. It will not be a problem."
"Good man." Simon patted him on the shoulder before turning back to the crew. A few townsfolk were already helping them up, gently explaining the nature of the island to them.
Soon after, Simon sat with his guests in a garden beside a tranquil lake. Cushions had been arranged for seating, and plates of snacks and tea were laid out.
The old man at Simon's side took a sip of tea, cleared his throat, and began introductions."This is Vaelyra, my elder daughter." A graceful young woman rose and gave a brief bow."She is born of Rhaenys," he added before gesturing to the boy beside her. "And this is Daerion, my younger son, also born of Rhaenys."
The boy bowed stiffly.
Simon smiled at the two of them. "I had planned to come here with my wives, live out the rest of my days in peace. But these two little devils caught wind of it and insisted on joining us, claiming they would care for us." His words carried no real anger—only fondness.
The siblings sipped their tea quietly, as if their lives depended on it. One of the older women with them pinched Vaelyra's cheek."My husband has spoken of your… nature," she said carefully. "Still, we do not wish to impose if our presence brings you inconvenience."
Simon waved a hand dismissively. "None at all. Oh—" He paused mid-sentence, blinking. "Where are my manners? Call me Visenya," the woman finished for herself, dipping her head.
Simon nodded in acknowledgment. "As I said, no inconvenience. Though," he glanced at the old man with mock solemnity, "I suspect he'll keel over any moment now, so I doubt it'll be a burden."
Vaelyra let out a small laugh, while Daerion gaped at him in shock.
"And as for the rest of you," Simon continued smoothly, "our castle lacks nothing. You are welcome there as long as you wish. Oh—" He tilted his head. "Actually, I think he's already dead."
The old man, who had been calmly gazing at the lake, exhaled sharply."Will you stop that? I've good years left in me still!" he said, exasperated.
Simon chuckled. "If you say so."
He leaned back and waved a hand. "Tell me of your exploits since our last meeting."
Aegon studied him for a long moment before nodding and beginning his tale."When last we met, I had just taken Casterly Rock," he began, his voice carrying a practiced weight. His children listened with rapt attention."Next came Dorne. That damned toad would have torn my heart out, had it not been for the talisman you gave me."
"Toads are a scourge," Simon said solemnly, sipping his tea.
Aegon gave a sharp nod and continued recounting his conquests until, finally, he leaned back with a tired sigh."I leave Dorne for my descendants to conquer. I have done my part." He reached for a snack, savoring it in silence.
Simon's gaze drifted toward Vaelyra and Daerion. The two seemed deep in thought until Vaelyra suddenly spoke."Father… if you met Lord Simon two years into your conquest, then he should be—" She stopped, unsure how to finish.
Aegon shrugged. "Don't ask me. I only discovered his immortality when I saw him today."
Vaelyra pouted at his nonchalance.
Aegon turned suddenly serious, looking at Simon. "You will remain here for my final years, yes?"
Simon shook his head. "No. I'll need to leave before then."
Aegon frowned. "Where would you go?"
Simon scratched his head, searching for words. "It's… complicated. It might be centuries before I return."
The words hung heavily in the air. Aegon's wives exchanged troubled glances, while his children sat in stunned silence.
Finally, Aegon asked the question that had been burning in his mind. "Are you… a god?"
Simon burst out laughing. "No. Nothing like that. I just plan to be with my family for a while. Next time I come, it'll be with them."
Aegon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Is there a way for us to… be here when you return?" His voice held a rare note of hesitation.
Simon froze, caught off guard by the request. He understood what Aegon truly wanted—to live out his last days with family and friends, free of duty and conquest.
"I may have a way, my lord," Thimrill said quietly from the side, drawing their attention."Think you can stomach skipping centuries?" he asked Aegon directly.
Aegon's eyes narrowed. "Would it be like sleeping… until he returns?"
Thimrill nodded. "Exactly. You will close your eyes one night and open them to a new era."
Aegon turned to his wives. They shared a silent conversation in their gazes before nodding. Seeing that, Vaelyra and Daerion also gave their consent.
Aegon looked between Simon and Thimrill, then raised his cup of wine high."Then let us feast tonight… and awaken in a new age!"
The others raised their glasses, the garden filled with the mingling sound of laughter and clinking cups, the weight of centuries hanging just beyond the horizon.
The next day Aegon and his family were in a room in the castle sleeping in beds, side by side as runes and glowed above them and roots covered their bodies.
" Take care of them... and, enhance them if you can." Simon said to Thimrill as the guardian bowed, "As you command, My lord." Simon entered a door and returned to his family.
A/n: Power stones and reviews please.