Seasmoke asoiaf: As one of Westeros’s most ancient and proud houses, House Velar yon of Drift Mark ruled the waves for generations. At the height of their power, they boasted the largest fleet in the Seven Kingdoms and were formidable sea-faring warriors. Their sigil was a silver seahorse upon sea-green, and their words were “The Old, the True, the Brave.”
Their bloodline is interwoven with the Targaryen’s through marriage alliances, though some say their Valyrian features have been diminished over time.
Nonetheless, the Vilarinos remained a naval power without peers. Their flagship was the Sea Snake, one of the swiftest and most formidable vessels in all of Westeros. It was captained by Corlys Velaryon, the famous Sea Snake, who sailed further than any Westeros before him. Corlis was a renowned adventurer and accumulated great wealth through his voyages, making House Velaryon one of the richest in the realm.
The pale dragon Seasmoke was once ridden by Laenor Velaryon, son of Corlys the Sea Snake. Seasmoke was a slender, pale gray dragon who fought valiantly for Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. Though Seasmoke’s rider was slain in battle, the pale dragon continued fighting for the blacks until the end of that bloody civil war, cementing House Velaryon’s place in the annals of Westerosi history.
Seasmoke’s Role in the Dance of the Dragons
As one of the dragons used during the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, Seasmoke played an important role for its rider, Ser Laenor Velaryon.
When the war of succession began in 129 AC, Seasmoke’s rider supported his half-sister Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne over her half-brother Aegon II. Seasmoke asoiaf participated in many early battles for Rhaenyra, helping the blacks achieve victory after victory. The pale dragon was present at the major engagements of the Gullet, where it fought valiantly against the Triarchy’s ships and the Sea Snake’s fleet, and the Battle of the Honeywine, burning many greens on the battlefield.
However, after Laenor was murdered under suspicious circumstances in Spicetown, Seasmoke grew wild and uncontrollable for a time. The dragon eventually came under the control of Addam of Hull and fought for the blacks at the Battle of Tumbleton, where Addam died a hero’s death. Though Addam was slain, Seasmoke survived and continued fighting for Rhaenyra’s cause.
In the end, Seasmoke met its demise in the Battle Above the Gods Eye. After its rider Hugh Hammer was killed by a quarrel through the eye, the pale dragon went into a rage, killing friend and foe alike. Seasmoke was eventually brought down by the dragon Vermithor, ending its participation in the Dance of the Dragons. Though its time was short, Seasmoke’s role was pivotal in many of the major battles of the war, proving vital to the early successes of Rhaenyra’s supporters.
The Powerful Bond Between Seasmoke and Laenor Velaryon
Seasmoke and Laenor Velaryon shared an uncommonly strong bond as rider and dragon. As the only son of Lord Corlys Velaryon, Laenor grew up fascinated by the dragons housed in the Dragonpit on Driftmark. From a young age, he spent much of his time observing the dragons and their riders. His curiosity and fearlessness allowed him to form a connection with Seasmoke, a pale gray dragon, when still a boy.
The Pale Dragon’s Choosing
When Laenor came of age at sixteen, as was tradition, he entered the Dragonpit to claim a dragon. To the astonishment of all, the pale gray Seasmoke lowered his head to Laenor in a show of acceptance and submission. The pale dragon had chosen his rider. From that day onward, Laenor devoted himself to Seasmoke, caring for the dragon and accustoming himself to riding and eventually flying together.
Seasmoke asoiaf accompanied Laenor during the Dance of Dragons, the Targaryen civil war, demonstrating complete obedience and loyalty to his rider in the heat of battle. The pale dragon rained fire and blood upon their enemies at Laenor’s command. Their bond was instrumental to House Velaryon’s military strength and allowed Laenor to prove himself a capable leader and dragonrider.
The deep connection between Seasmoke and Laenor Velaryon highlights the possibility of true companionship between dragon and rider. With mutual care, trust and devotion, these mythical beasts and the few they chose to bond with could achieve wondrous and terrible feats side by side. The pale dragon’s choosing of Laenor gifted him not just power but a lifelong ally and friend. Their remarkable partnership served House Velaryon and the blacks well during the Dance of Dragons.