Hotd S2 E4 - Tumblr Posts
YES he traumatised everyone tonight. but he served cunt while doing it.
My interpretation on Aemond’s actions at Rook’s Rest.
I don’t think that Aemond was straight up planning on killing Aegon. I think he wanted glory, a tactical victory and to sideline and shame Aegon (like in the scene where he uses the difference in their language ability to shame Aegon before the council).
Remember, Aegon wasn’t supposed to be there. Every action Aemond takes is spur of the moment, the emotional and tactical swirling together as his warplan falls apart.
What I saw was petulant behaviour, indecisiveness and a desire for vengeance. Climbing the escalation ladder over the course of the encounter.
When he sees Sunfyre Aemond doesn’t move. His plan is in disarray. He growls and says “Idiot”. Remember, Aemond has dealt with Aegon’s bulling and abuse all his life, the most recent brothel shaming was just the worst of it, Aegon’s arrival triggers all the vengeful, built up anger at Aegon in the same way Lucerys’ arrival at Storm’s end did.
Because of that, I think him staying put was petulant. The growl was a way of saying “well see how well you do against Meleys alone!” As well as “you’re ruining the plan. What the hell! .” But also “fuck you, go get hurt see how well you do without me!” and also a I’ll let him get fucked up a bit for what he’s done to me for all our lives. Then you see the gears turn in his eyes, and he plans to wait. A new plan is forminga nebulous just something else… of violence. The old plan is gone.
Aemond rocks up a little late. With a determined angry expression, he wants to hurt someone (Aegon probably included).
But instead of Aegon being a bit shamed Aemond flys up to see Sunfyre held captive in Meley’s jaws. This makes any fighting Aemond wants to do with the colossal Vhagar against Meleys will be friendly fire. In other words Rhaenys is unintentionally using a “hugging” tactic so any attack on her is friendly fire against Aegon & Sunfyre.
But the curious thing, If Aemond decided on killing Aegon right then shouldn’t he have used Vhagar’s weight to smash both dragons onto the ground? (Like in the book). INSTEAD… he chooses fire, forcing Meleys to let go of Sunfyre and eliminating Rhaenys’ friendly fire hostage advantage (“saving Aegon”). Aemond probably also doesn’t care about his brother… but he’s treating the King as in the way, not as a target.
The fight continues Meleys dies… then Aemond is found by Criston Cole with his sword drawn above Aegon’s body. Aemond sheathes his sword and walks away (with the kings knife). I think this is Aemond skirting the line with murder, NOT a premeditated or garunteed act.
Aemond is probably thinking “oooooo I could do it. I could end you, make myself king, be more worthy and better and win all on my own.” He wants to… but he’s also not doing it, and leaves once confronted. This is probably really deep, maybe because it’s his brother. Who he hates but also knows, is loyal too (in the Daemon sense) and y’know wasn’t supposed to be there!
Aemond was partaking in another rash emotional escalation because he wants murder but also to… not, because it would be bad for him. He’s fighting his emotional desire for revenge (& lack on control) with his royal duty, ideas of loyalty and ancient custom (guest right at Storm’s End, Kinslaying at Rook’s Rest), and probably just a little bit of care for his brother. A situation just like with Luke at Storm’s End, Aemond plays with the possibilities and Vhagar acts… like a dragon.
Or I could be wrong and Aemond wants Aegon dead immediately and always. Anyways I thinks there are some layers.
Rhaenyra is on thin parenting ice. Because she passed off her kids to Rhaena to care for. But also trusts and loves her older kids to fight in her war and know the heir’s secrets.
Alicent has fully fallen through the parenting ice and is now taking a cold bath. And I don’t blame her, seriously how could you be blamed after being literally set up for failure by society, your own parents, age (teenager! She was a teenager! A child!!! Viserys was old!) the political situation and the extent to which your kids are fucked up (not you Helaena you’re perfect :).