HBO's House of the Dragon season 2 is still a year or more away, but the hiatus hasn't stopped the fanbase from debating about what to expect from it. Showrunner, Ryan Condal recently confirmed that House of the Dragon season 2 will add five more dragons to the lineup. This quite obviously means that a more expansive season is on the horizon. Amid endless speculation surrounding the show, an exciting piece of casting news has surfaced. It is reported that the 1899 star, Emily Beecham has auditioned for a character codenamed "AR" (per Redanian Intelligence). AR most likely stands for Alys Rivers, and the prospect of the said character making season 2 is every bit interesting.
Alys Rivers is a mysterious woman, reminiscent of the Red Priestess of R'hllor, Melisandre from Game of Thrones. She is the bastard of House Strong, and her character is intertwined with the kinslayer, Prince Aemond Targaryen. Some consider Alys to be a "witch queen," and Aemond claims that she could see visions in flames, storm clouds, and pools of water. Her mysticism sets her apart and makes her an asset to the Targaryens because they have a proclivity for magic and visions. From Aegon the Conqueror's dream to the Tragedy at Summerhall and Daenerys' visions in the House of the Undying, the Targaryens are indeed mystical people with magic in their blood.
Alys Rivers' Role In House Of The Dragon
Grand Maester Munkun and Septon Eustace's historical accounts shed light on Alys' origin. They claim that she was a bastard sired by Lord Lyonel Strong with an unknown woman in his younger days. In contrast, court fool Mushroom claims that Alys served as a wet nurse to Lyonel's sons, Harwin and Larys and possibly to even him. Lord Lyonel Strong appeared in House of the Dragon season 1, holding key positions at Viserys' court. He came to court with his two sons, and two unnamed daughters and served as the Master of Laws and later as the king's Hand. Both Lyonel and Harwin were charred by fire in House of the Dragon at the seat of their family’s power, Harrenhal. House of the Dragon makes it clear that Ser Larys Strong orchestrated the fire that killed his father and his older brother.
Munkun states that Alys liked to dabble in potions and spells, whereas Eustace says she was a "woods witch." Mushroom claims that Alys was an enchantress who bathed in maidens' blood to preserve her youth. While Munkun and Eustace find this claim preposterous, there is agreement over the fact that Alys looked younger for her age and was at least forty by the time the devastating civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons broke out. Alys plays an important role in the clashing of the Targaryens and serves the Green faction. Interestingly, she survives the assault on Harrenhal led by Prince Daemon Targaryen (played by Matt Smith on House of the Dragon).
After learning about the fall of King's Landing, Aemond orders the massacre of Ser Simon Strong and every living member of his house but takes Alys as his battle spoil. When Rhaenyra's ally, Lady Sabitha Frey seizes an undefended Harrenhal, she finds Alys waiting inside, claiming to be pregnant with Aemond's child. Aemond eventually rescues her, and she stands by his side until he goes off to duel his uncle, Daemon in the Battle above the Gods Eye. Alys wielded considerable influence on Aemond and there is every likelihood that she will make it to House of the Dragon season 2.
Alys Rivers Is Aemond's Paramour In The Dance
While Mushroom claims that Alys used an enticing potion on Aemond, and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole, Septon Eustace strongly disagrees. She is likely to become one of the important players in House of the Dragon. It is Alys who Aemond has on the dragonback when he off to battle Daemon and Caraxes in the aerial duel known as Battle Above the Gods Eye. He drops her safely on the ground and passionately kisses her before facing off against his enemy. When Daemon asks Aemond who told him about his whereabouts, the latter replies, "My lady. She saw you in a storm cloud, in a mountain pool at dusk, in the fire we lit to cook our suppers."
Alys watches the fatal combat (Battle Above the Gods Eye) from the Kingspyre Tower in Harrenhal. While Septon Eustace speaks of Alys as a simpleminded slattern, she establishes her reputation as an intelligent figure of the Greens faction. She easily finds her way into Aemond's heart. Alys Rivers is most likely to be introduced in House of the Dragon season 2, and author George R. R. Martin has written her as a fascinating character with an incredible arc. Her pairing with Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) is also something to look forward to.