Aerion Targaryen

Aerion & Her: Then vs Now

As Children

• Constantly provoking her just to get her attention.
• Stealing little trinkets and keeping them.
• Starting arguments because any interaction was better than none.
• Jealous whenever she spent more time with Duncan, Valarr, or Daeron than him.
• Following her around court despite pretending she annoyed him.

As Adults

• Much quieter about his feelings.
• Watches instead of speaks.
• Notices every man who looks at her.
• Always seems to know where she is.
• Becomes strangely calm whenever she’s nearby.
• Protective in a way that borders on possessive.
• Values her attention above almost everything else, though he’d never admit it aloud.

And Valarr, unfortunately, is stuck watching the entire disaster unfold before either of them realize exactly how deep it goes.

Aerion Targaryen

Aerion Targaryen is the kind of man people notice the moment he enters a room, whether they want to or not.

Tall and lean, he carries himself with the effortless confidence of a prince who has spent his entire life being told he is exceptional. His features are sharp and striking, almost severe at times—high cheekbones, a strong jaw, and eyes that always seem to be studying something. There’s an intensity to him that makes even casual glances feel deliberate.

His silver-gold Targaryen hair is usually worn longer than most men at court, often falling around his face in a way that only adds to his untamed appearance. He looks more like one of the dragonlords of old Valyria than a courtly prince, and he seems to prefer it that way.

Aerion is proud, arrogant, and often difficult to be around. He possesses the sort of confidence that borders on dangerous, believing himself superior to most people around him. He is intelligent and perceptive, though he rarely uses those qualities kindly. He notices everything—weaknesses, fears, insecurities—and has a habit of exploiting them when it suits him.

Yet for all his cruelty, Aerion is not careless.

He’s obsessive.

When something catches his interest, he becomes consumed by it. Whether it’s dragons, ancient Valyria, a rivalry, or a person, Aerion rarely feels anything halfway. His attention is intense and unwavering, making it both flattering and unsettling to be the focus of it.

Among his family, he has a complicated reputation. Many view him as unpredictable and volatile, never entirely certain whether they’ll receive charm or fury from him. Even those closest to him often struggle to understand where his thoughts are leading.

As a child, that obsession often manifested as teasing, provoking, and constant attention. As an adult, it becomes quieter but far more intimidating. He watches more than he speaks. Remembers things people never realized he’d noticed. Appears exactly when he’s least expected.

Aerion loves the same way he wants everything else in life—with complete devotion and complete possession. Once he decides someone matters to him, letting go is not something that comes naturally.

He is ambitious, proud, fiercely intelligent, and deeply flawed.

A prince with dragon’s blood in his veins and far too much fire in his heart.

Aerion Targaryen’s Appearance

Aerion is striking in the way most Targaryens are, but there’s something sharper and more dangerous about him than many of his relatives.

He has long silver-gold hair, almost white in certain light, usually worn loose around his shoulders. It gives him an untamed look that suits him far better than any carefully groomed court style ever could.

His eyes are a vivid violet, intense and piercing enough to make people look away first. Aerion has a habit of holding eye contact just a little too long, making even simple conversations feel like challenges.

His features are sharp and aristocratic—high cheekbones, a straight nose, and a strong jawline. There’s very little softness to his face. Even when he’s relaxed, he tends to look severe.

Aerion possesses the build of a skilled rider and warrior rather than a heavily muscled knight. He’s broad enough through the shoulders to appear imposing but carries himself with the grace and confidence expected of a prince raised around dragons and nobility.

His skin is pale, contrasting sharply with the dark colors he often favors. Combined with his silver hair and violet eyes, it gives him an almost otherworldly appearance.

What people tend to remember most, however, isn’t any single feature.

It’s the way he carries himself.

Aerion moves with complete confidence, as though he expects the room to make space for him. He rarely appears nervous or uncertain, and even standing still he has a restless energy about him—as though there’s always something simmering beneath the surface.

The result is a man who is undeniably handsome, but not in a warm or approachable way.

Aerion is the sort of handsome that makes people stare for a moment too long before remembering they probably shouldn’t.

Valarr Targaryen

Valarr is often considered one of the most handsome princes of his generation, carrying himself with a quiet dignity that makes him easy to admire and difficult to dislike.

Unlike Aerion’s sharp, dangerous beauty, Valarr possesses a softer kind of attractiveness. He’s approachable where Aerion is intimidating, composed where Aerion is volatile.

As the son of Prince Baelor Breakspear, Valarr inherited features from both sides of his family. He has thick dark brown hair rather than the traditional silver-gold of many Targaryens, a trait inherited through his Dornish ancestry. Running through that dark hair is a distinctive streak of silver-white, a mark that makes him instantly recognizable at court.

His eyes are a deep purple-blue, unmistakably Targaryen despite his darker coloring.

Valarr is tall, though not quite as imposing as some of his cousins. He has the build of a knight—broad-shouldered, athletic, and strong from years of training—but carries himself with a prince’s restraint rather than a warrior’s aggression.

His features are handsome and balanced. A strong nose, high cheekbones, and a warm smile that appears far more often than Aerion’s ever does. He has a calm presence that naturally puts people at ease.

More than anything, Valarr looks dependable.

The sort of prince people trust.

The sort of man lords would gladly support and knights would willingly follow.

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Valarr and His Twin Sister

The resemblance between Valarr and his sister is impossible to ignore.

At first glance, they look almost identical.

Both inherited the same rich brown hair cut through by a striking streak of silver-white. The same Targaryen eyes. The same high cheekbones and elegant features.

As children, people constantly mistook one for the other from a distance.

When they stood together, the resemblance became even more obvious. They shared the same smiles, the same expressions, and the same habit of tilting their heads when confused.

Yet where Valarr appears princely and composed, his sister possesses a livelier energy.

Her features are slightly softer than his, though no less striking. The white streak in her hair tends to draw attention immediately, falling through dark waves like a slash of moonlight.

Court ladies often call them beautiful.

Knights often call them unforgettable.

And Aerion, unfortunately, notices every difference.

While everyone else sees twins, Aerion stopped seeing Valarr when he looked at her years ago.

He notices how her smile is brighter than her brother’s.

How her laugh comes easier.

How she argues more fiercely.

How she looks nothing like Valarr once you spend enough time around her.

Which is precisely why Valarr becomes increasingly concerned whenever he catches Aerion staring. Because most people see a twin.

Aerion only sees her.

Prince Baelor Breakspear

Baelor is Valarr and his twin sister’s father, and one of the most respected men in the Seven Kingdoms.

He is honorable, intelligent, patient, and deeply devoted to his family. Unlike many princes, Baelor earns loyalty through respect rather than fear. Knights admire him, smallfolk trust him, and even many of his rivals find it difficult to dislike him.

Physically, Baelor takes after his mother, Princess Mariah Martell, more than most Targaryens. He has dark hair, darker eyes, and a strong, powerful build, lacking the traditional silver hair that many associate with House Targaryen.

As a father, Baelor is protective but fair. He encourages Valarr and his sister to think for themselves and treats them with genuine warmth. He expects them to uphold their duties, but he also wants them to be happy.

He’s the sort of father who listens before he judges.

Which is why he’d likely notice Aerion’s interest long before Aerion ever worked up the courage to approach him about it.

And Baelor would have thoughts.

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Prince Maekar Targaryen

Maekar is Aerion’s father and almost the opposite of Baelor in temperament.

Where Baelor is warm, Maekar is stern.

Where Baelor inspires loyalty, Maekar commands obedience.

Maekar is a hard man—disciplined, practical, proud, and often emotionally distant. He loves his family, but he isn’t particularly good at showing it. His sons grow up knowing what he expects of them long before they know whether he approves of them.

He is a formidable warrior and military commander, respected throughout the realm for his skill and determination.

Physically, Maekar looks every inch a Targaryen prince. He has silver-gold hair, violet eyes, and a powerful build earned through years of combat and training. Even as he ages, he remains intimidating.

His relationship with Aerion is complicated.

Aerion desperately wants his father’s approval, though he’d never admit it aloud. Maekar recognizes Aerion’s intelligence and talent, but he’s also painfully aware of his son’s arrogance, cruelty, and reckless nature.

The two are often alike in ways neither wishes to acknowledge.

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Baelor and Maekar

Despite being brothers, Baelor and Maekar are very different men.

Baelor is the brother people naturally gravitate toward.

Maekar is the brother people obey.

Baelor tends to look for understanding first.

Maekar looks for solutions.

Baelor values diplomacy.

Maekar values strength.

Yet there is still respect between them.

Maekar knows Baelor is a better man than he is.

Baelor knows Maekar is more loyal than most people give him credit for.

For Valarr and his twin sister, Uncle Maekar is an intimidating figure they grew up respecting.

For Aerion, Prince Baelor is a constant reminder of everything his father isn’t—and everything Aerion fears he’ll never be.

Which makes Aerion’s obsession with Baelor’s daughter even more complicated.

Because if there’s one man in the realm Aerion would hate admitting weakness to, it’s Prince Baelor Breakspear. And unfortunately, falling hopelessly in love with Baelor’s daughter feels an awful lot like weakness.

Prince Daeron Targaryen

Daeron is Aerion’s older brother and, in many ways, his complete opposite.

Where Aerion is intense, ambitious, and often frighteningly focused, Daeron is relaxed, easygoing, and far more interested in wine, songs, and good company than court politics.

He has the classic Targaryen look—silver-gold hair and violet eyes—but usually appears less polished than other princes. His clothes are often rumpled, and he carries himself with the attitude of someone who would rather be anywhere else than attending another royal function.

Despite his reputation for drinking, Daeron is actually quite intelligent. He possesses prophetic dragon dreams, though he rarely enjoys talking about them and often drowns the unsettling visions in alcohol.

As a brother, Daeron is surprisingly affectionate toward Aerion, even if the feeling isn’t always returned. He has a habit of teasing Aerion relentlessly, particularly when it comes to his obvious feelings for Valarr’s twin sister.

Unlike most people, Daeron finds Aerion’s obsession more amusing than alarming.

At least at first.

Because once Daeron realizes how serious Aerion is, even he starts wondering if things have gone a bit too far.

To Valarr’s sister, Daeron is usually friendly, charming, and easy to talk to. Growing up, he was often the brother who broke up arguments between her and Aerion—usually while laughing at both of them.

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Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen

Egg is Aerion’s much younger brother and the youngest of Maekar’s sons.

At this point, he’s still a boy, but there’s already something different about him.

Unlike Aerion, Egg doesn’t care much for status or superiority. He’s curious, kind-hearted, stubborn, and possesses a strong sense of right and wrong that often gets him into trouble.

He has silver-gold hair and violet eyes like the rest of the family, though he frequently wishes he could blend in more than stand out.

Egg idolizes knights and adventures far more than court life. He’s constantly asking questions, wandering where he shouldn’t, and getting involved in situations that don’t concern him.

When it comes to Valarr and his twin sister, Egg absolutely adores them.

Valarr treats him like a younger brother, and his sister is one of the few people patient enough to listen to his endless stories and questions.

As a child, Egg is also one of the first people to notice Aerion’s strange behavior around her.

Unlike Valarr, however, he lacks the sense to be worried about it.

He just thinks it’s funny.

Because from Egg’s perspective, the terrifying Prince Aerion becoming completely distracted whenever Valarr’s sister enters a room is one of the most entertaining things he’s ever seen.

And unfortunately for Aerion, Egg is exactly the sort of little brother who would never let him live it down.

If you’re writing Aerion close to his canon characterization, his obsession with dragons, old Valyria, and Targaryen superiority would make his feelings for someone who doesn’t look traditionally Targaryen especially complicated.

In the case of Valarr’s twin sister, however, she isn’t completely outside what Aerion considers “dragon blood.” She’s still a Targaryen through Baelor, but like Valarr she inherited many of the darker features from their Martell ancestry.

As children, Aerion would probably use those differences to tease her.

He’d make comments about her dark hair.

Call her “half a dragon” when they argued.

Insist she looked more Martell than Targaryen just to annoy her.

The problem is that Aerion notices things obsessively.

Over time, he’d become fixated on the things that do mark her as a Targaryen.

The violet-blue eyes.

The silver streak in her hair.

The fact that she carries herself like royalty without trying.

The fact that she’s Baelor’s daughter and descended from the same dragonlords he idolizes.

As he grows older, his obsession with blood purity doesn’t disappear—it just starts making exceptions for her.

And that’s where the contradiction comes in.

Aerion likes certainty. He likes categories. He likes believing he understands what makes someone worthy.

Then along comes a woman who doesn’t fit neatly into the image he’s built in his head.

A woman with dark hair instead of silver.

A woman who looks enough like Valarr that people mistake them for each other.

A woman he can’t stop thinking about.

Aerion would hate how much that bothers him.

Not because he finds her unattractive—quite the opposite.

Because she’d force him to confront the fact that his obsession was never really about silver hair and purple eyes.

It was about dragons.

Power.

Legacy.

And somehow she embodies those things without looking exactly how he thinks she should.

Eventually, Aerion’s fixation would shift from what she lacks to what makes her unique.

The white streak in her dark hair becomes more beautiful to him than another princess’s perfectly silver locks.

He’d start viewing it as proof that she’s special rather than imperfect.

Something rare.

Something singular.

Something that belongs to his bloodline and no one else’s.

In Aerion’s mind, that’s often more important than appearance.

Because once he becomes attached to someone, he has a tendency to rewrite the world around them.

What once bothered him becomes a virtue.

What once seemed unusual becomes fascinating.

What once looked wrong becomes exactly how it should be.

Which is part of what makes his affection so intense.

Aerion doesn’t love people casually.

He studies them, idealizes them, and builds entire beliefs around them.

So while her darker features might initially clash with his rigid ideas of what a Targaryen should look like, by the time he’s truly obsessed with her, Aerion would likely see those features as part of what makes her impossible to forget.

And if anyone else dared suggest she looked “less Targaryen” because of them?

They’d quickly discover that Aerion takes such comments far more personally than she does.

Ser Duncan the Tall

Ser Duncan the Tall—better known as Dunk—is about as different from Aerion Targaryen as a man can be.

Where Aerion is proud, sharp-tongued, and intimidating, Dunk is honest, straightforward, and kind-hearted.

Born in Flea Bottom with no noble blood to speak of, Dunk grows into one of the most respected knights in the Seven Kingdoms not because of his name, but because of who he is. He believes in protecting people, keeping his word, and doing what is right even when it costs him.

He’s not particularly political, nor is he interested in court games. In fact, he often feels uncomfortable around nobility and prefers simple solutions to complicated problems.

Despite his intimidating size, Dunk is surprisingly gentle.

He worries about others constantly, has a habit of helping people without being asked, and often underestimates his own importance.

His Appearance

Dunk’s most famous feature is his height.

He’s enormous.

Well over six and a half feet tall, he towers over almost everyone around him. Most people notice him the moment he enters a room simply because he’s impossible to miss.

He’s broad-shouldered, heavily built, and incredibly strong from years of hard work, training, and fighting. Unlike many knights raised in castles, Dunk’s strength comes from a lifetime of labor before he ever earned his spurs.

He has a long face, a strong jaw, and features that are rugged rather than classically handsome. His appearance is often described as plain compared to the beautiful princes and lords surrounding him, but there’s an undeniable warmth to him that makes people trust him almost immediately.

His hair is brown and often a little unruly, and he usually looks far more comfortable in armor than in fine court clothes.

His eyes are kind and expressive, making it nearly impossible for him to hide what he’s thinking.

Ser Duncan and Aerion Targaryen

Dunk and Aerion have one of the most hostile relationships in the series.

From the moment they meet, they clash.

Aerion is a prince raised to believe in the superiority of House Targaryen, noble blood, and his own importance. Dunk is a hedge knight from Flea Bottom who values decency over status and isn’t impressed by titles.

Their conflict reaches its peak when Aerion cruelly attacks a puppeteer girl and Dunk intervenes, eventually striking the prince to protect her. This leads to the famous trial by seven at the tournament of Ashford Meadow.

After that, there is very little love lost between them.

Aerion views Dunk as insolent, lowborn, and infuriatingly self-righteous.

Dunk views Aerion as cruel, arrogant, and dangerous.

The funny thing is that Aerion would probably hate how much people naturally trust Dunk.

Dunk earns loyalty without demanding it.

People gravitate toward him.

And that is something Aerion has never fully understood.

In a fic involving Valarr’s twin sister, Aerion would be especially irritated if she likes Dunk.

Not because he genuinely believes Dunk would do anything improper.

But because Dunk represents everything Aerion isn’t.

The man she feels safe around.

The man she laughs with easily.

The man she trusts.

And Aerion has never handled competition particularly well.

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Ser Duncan and Aegon “Egg” Targaryen

Dunk and Egg, on the other hand, are one of the most beloved friendships in Westerosi history.

When they first meet, Egg is a young prince hiding his identity and serving as Dunk’s squire.

Despite their completely different backgrounds, they become inseparable.

Egg admires Dunk enormously.

Dunk becomes a mentor, protector, older brother, and eventually one of the most important people in Egg’s life.

While Aerion sees a hedge knight, Egg sees a genuinely good man.

Dunk teaches Egg things no royal upbringing ever could:

• Compassion.
• Humility.
• Honor.
• Understanding ordinary people.

At the same time, Egg helps Dunk navigate a world of princes, politics, and court intrigue.

Their relationship is full of affection, loyalty, and constant bickering.

Egg is clever and stubborn.

Dunk is patient but perpetually exasperated.

Together they’re almost the perfect team.

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The Dynamic Between All Three

If all three are in the same room, the contrast is impossible to miss.

• Aerion is proud, intense, and intimidating.
• Dunk is steady, honest, and dependable.
• Egg is curious, kind-hearted, and endlessly optimistic.

Aerion cannot understand why Egg admires Dunk so much.

Egg cannot understand why Aerion dislikes Dunk so much.

And Dunk would much rather be literally anywhere else than stuck between two feuding Targaryen princes.

If Valarr’s twin sister is close to both Egg and Dunk, Aerion’s annoyance would only grow.

Because somehow his younger brother and his least favorite knight always seem to be wherever she is.

And much to Aerion’s frustration, she usually seems happier because of it.