Dothraki Moon Festival
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Languages:
Common Tongue
Valyrian
Dothraki
Chapter 10: A fever of fear
Alysanne's POV
I woke up feeling drained. A massive headache spiraling in my head, let alone my eyes were dried. When I sat up, the world seemed to spin. A part of me wanted to lay back down and curl into a ball. I barely felt like this, only when I cry excessively. The first being my mother's death, the last…after Viserys raping me the first time. Now, this disgusting feeling is because I cried none stop since Daenerys's death. A part of me wanted to puke, while the heat from Lhazar made things worse.
"Alysanne," Irri whispered, handing me a canteen. "Drink, you must drink."
She brought the canteen up to my lips in which I accept. After a few gulps, I stared around, seeing Doreah feeding Rhaego while Rakharo and Jorah were absent.
"Where are the men?" I mumbled.
"Ser Jorah and Rakharo went to scout the area," Doreah replied. "Ser Jorah wanted you to rest."
I merely nodded, yet the brightness was still bothering me. Follow by my left hand was throbbing—a slight burning. I bow my head, unwrapping my hand to check the cut. My hand was red; the wound was inflamed. Irri gasped as she rushed to one of our supplies to grab a canister of salve and started treating my hand. Once I was tended, Rhaego waddle over to me, giving a hug. I wrapped my arms around him, combing my fingers through his curls.
"Little Dragon," I murmured.
"Au-Au," he replied, curling up to me.
He is all I have left for a family. The last thing I have of Daenerys. All I can do is protect the boy and raise him as my own. I kissed the top of his head, despite not feeling well. I closed my eyes, rubbing his back, humming a song to give him comfort.
A while later, Jorah and Rakharo returned. Jorah unmounted, handing the reins to Rakharo before coming over to me. He paused, seeing us. No doubt, I look terrible after two days of crying. Hell, he tried his best to comfort me while I cried myself to sleep.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Not well," I answered, being honest.
Jorah sighed, staring at Rhaego, "I think Rhaego should ride with Irri or Doreah."
I stared at my nephew, "You are probably right."
Jorah nodded as he rested a hand on my shoulder, "There is a small village nearby. We can restock on supplies and get a cooked meal."
I only nodded.
We got camp all packed up. Irri took hold of Rhaego and wrapped him to her back. Rakharo helped her onto her horse. Knowing they were secured, I tried getting on my horse only to stumble. A pair of hands caught me, as I looked over my shoulder to see it was Jorah. He has a concern expression.
"Are you sure you're able to ride?" he asked.
"We need to make some distance," I reminded him.
Jorah only nodded as he helped me on my horse. Afterward, he got on his horse, leading the way to the village he and Rakharo spotted. The ride was a stable pace since there was no sighting of the Dothraki. I kept my eyes forward, watching Jorah's back.
As the day pass, the weather became hotter. My left hand was throbbing in pain. My body felt disgusting, as I felt hot at the same time cold while my vision is becoming distorted. I try pushing it off as exhaustion and crying. Until the chills went down my spine and the ache in my joints. Along with my breathing turning laborious.
"Alysanne," Doreah called out. "Alysanne."
I turned to look at her.
Her eyes widen as she looked ahead, "Ser Jorah!"
That was when it happened. My body giving up as it started to fall to the side while the world vanished.
.o0o.
Jorah's POV
"Ser Jorah!" Doreah shouted.
Jorah looked over his shoulder, seeing Alysanne almost falling off her horse while Doreah reached over, grabbing her vest. Rakharo rushed over, grabbing Alysanne, so she doesn't fall off. Jorah turned his horse over as panic filled him. He knew Alysanne wasn't feeling well, thinking it was from mourning. Not an actual sickness.
"What happened?" Jorah demanded.
"She fainted," Doreah explained.
Irri came over, "Her hand was infected this morning."
Jorah scowled, for he knew some wounds can't be adequately healed in these climates. Along with the cut on her hand was deep. Thanks to the sharpness of Valyrian steel. The infection must have caught a fever. Unfortunately, resting in the shade can't fix this problem. Alysanne needed a healer or a Maester. The village was a few miles away, but any longer and her condition might get worse.
"Rakharo, do you know the way to the village?" Jorah asked.
Rakharo nodded.
Jorah came closer as the two got Alysanne on his horse, as he secured her in the front, "I'm going ahead. I will meet you there."
The three nodded as Rakharo took the reins of Alysanne's horse. With nothing else to say, Jorah kicked the side of the horse and galloped towards the village. On occasion, glancing down, seeing Alysanne limbed in his arm, sweat coating her skin as her skin became flush. He scowled, making the horse go faster. He should have known better. Alysanne had a rare condition; when injured, her recovery takes longer, and when untreated, it leads to infection. A lot of loss has happened, being three days since Drogo and Daenerys's death. Jorah cannot lose Alysanne, nor can Rhaego.
"Hold on," Jorah pleaded. "Hold on."
Alysanne shuddered, gripping his shirt for stability. That was an indication she was still conscious. He sighed in relief. Although, she started mumbling cross between Valyrian and Common Tongue.
After a while, he has reached the village. It was small rugged, not like the villages in Westeros or Western Essos. As the buildings were made of sandstone. The people had some similarities to the Dothraki, with copper skin and almond eyes. But they are more squat and flat-faced and have black hair. The men having cropped hair while the women's hair was long, set free. They stared at the two, surprised.
"Does anyone speak the Common Tongue?" Jorah called out. "Or understands Dothraki."
The people stared at them. Jorah sighed, betting the Lhazereen have not seen a Westerner or Westerosi before, with fair skin and light hair color. A young boy stared at them before rushing to a temple calling out. Jorah tried calling for assistance in both languages. He only knew three. He can speak Common Tongue and Dothraki and translate Valyrian but did not speak about the language.
The boy came back out from the temple where a heavyset, flat-nosed woman with black hair came out. She appeared to be about in her fifties while wearing robes that distinguish from the others. She walked over to them with caution.
"I can help you," the woman said in a common tongue.
"You speak the common tongue," Jorah noted.
"And Dothraki," She confirmed. "I am named Mirri Maz Duur. I am the Godswife of this temple. How can I assist you?"
"She is ill. I need your help," Jorah explained.
Mirri Maz Duur examined Alysanne in his arms, noticing her condition, "Bring her inside. I can treat her there."
She spoke in Lhazereen as the men came to collected Alysanne, enough time for Jorah to get down and take her back in his arms. The Godswife lead them inside the temple. It was not like the other temples Jorah has seen. Being much open with a vine woven canopy and a sheep's statue, well more like a ram.
Mirri Maz Duur gestured Jorah to place Alysanne on a cot. He did so, keeping a sharp eye on Alysanne and the Godswife. Seeing the woman knelt to the patient's level and examining her condition.
"I believe the infection came from her left hand," Jorah explained. "She cut her hand a few days ago."
Mirri Maz Duur nodded as she removed the bandages to examine the wound. She saw how red the hand was, examining the inflammation.
"May I ask how she received this wound?" she asked.
"Protecting a young boy from the Dothraki," he answered, staying close to the truth. "Our group encounter them."
"I am surprised they have not slain you all," she murmured while examining the hand.
"We've done some trade," Jorah lied. "However, the rest of the group is on the way, deserters from their Khalasar."
The Godswife merely nodded, "Those who see the errors of their ways."
"Dany," Alysanne mumbled in her sleep. "Dany."
Mirri Maz Duur stared at Jorah for an explanation.
"Her sister Daniella," he started. "She passed a few days ago during the attack."
The Godswife nodded, " A tragedy to lose someone."
Jorah can only nod. He stood by watching as the woman treated Alysanne. As she took a damp rag and place it on Alysanne's forehead. Then washed the wound before going over to a table that had herbs. Mirri Maz Duur made a poultice of different herbs. She came back, placing the poultice on the wound.
"This shall reduce the inflammation on her hand," the Godswife explained. "I will work on her medicine."
She stood up, walking over to the medical table. Jorah came over, sitting down next to Alysanne, securing the damp rag.
"Is she your wife?" the Godswife asked.
Jorah paused; he knew he had to lie. A Targaryen out alone in the world is a dangerous thing. Not sure what people will think. Alysanne told him lore about the Dragonlords and the magic they once held. He has met people who believe in the magical qualities in their blood. Even met a cock merchant who believes a dwarf's cock holds power. Also, Alysanne being a Targaryen and Varys little birds flying about.
"Yes," Jorah lied.
"I will do what I can," Mirri Maz Duur assured.
Jorah only nodded as he watched Alysanne closely.
.o0o.
Rakharo, Irri, and Doreah entered the temple. Irri still holding onto Rhaego. Jorah looked up, seeing them giving the nod. Mirri Maz Duur noticed Rakharo tensing slightly. Jorah couldn't blame the Godswife being cautious with the Dothraki. Since the Dothraki hunt on these lands for slaves. He got up, walking over to them.
"How is she?" Doreah asked.
"She has an infection, but the healer is doing all she can," Jorah answered.
"How long will it take?" Rakharo asked.
"When the fever breaks," Mirri Maz Duur answered across the temple. "She will need to rest for a few days. But she will be better for travel."
They nodded.
The Godswife came over, noticing Rhaego, "Why what a handsome boy." She turned around, staring at Jorah, "Is this the child you and your wife adopted. Your nephew."
Jorah nodded.
"If you like, I can check on his condition," she offered.
Jorah paused, thinking about it until he nodded. The Godswife lead the way in which Irri followed, sitting down so she can look at Rhaego. The boy stared at her, nervous, curling of to Irri while being checked. Not like being touched by the stranger.
Rakharo came over to Jorah, "Can we trust this woman. Women like her are witches."
"She is the only one who can treat her," Jorah whispered back. "Once she is treated, we can get directions."
Rakharo nodded, still on guard.
Jorah turned around, returning to Alysanne's side.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I felt like a scared little girl. Back in my room up in the tower watching the city from above. A world so close, but at the same time so far. I pressed my hand along the window, feeling the warmth of the sun. It was too high up, unable to see what lies within the city. Septa says a city is no place for a princess. Yet I want to go out there.
A hand came up and teased my hair. I gasped, turning around to see my mother standing there with a smile.
"My golden dragon, do you see the world?" She asked.
"No, city," I answered. "And birdy."
Mother chuckled softly as she picked me up, "When you are older, you'll spread your wings to a different Kingdom."
I stared at her confused, as she explained. "One day, the King will select a husband for you. And he shall take you somewhere safe and away from the tower."
"Promise?" I asked.
"I promise," Mother murmured.
As she held me close, I stared over her shoulder to see my father. His hair grew past his shoulders to his waist and became matted, his beard tangled, and his fingernails grew to be yellow talons of almost a foot long. Father was very thin and gaunt, and he looked much older than he actually was.
The dream changed as I lay in bed. Father sitting by my side with a pleased smiled as I sang him a Valyrian nursery song. I barely saw Father in the day. Only at night after mother had tucked me in.
"Little Dragon," Father murmured. Before standing up and tucking me in. "It's time for bed."
"Please, a story," I pleaded.
Father chuckled, showing his yellow teeth, "Another night."
I only nodded, laying back down, obeying my father.
The dream changed once more in the Throne Room of the Red Keep. Father sitting on the Iron Throne while Rhaegar stood on the bottom steps looking up at him. They look like they were having a serious conversation.
"You can't keep them lock up in the Red Keep," Rhaegar yelled. "How are Viserys and Alysanne going to learn if you keep them trap in Maegor's Holdfast."
"They are safe here," Father sneered. "Here, I can trust the Kingsguard and the staff to watch over them."
"They need sunlight! they need friends," Rhaegar tried to reason.
"They have their septas, and they play in the gardens.," father countered. "My enemies are out there. Have you forgotten Duskendale!"
"I have not," Rhaegar said. "But Viserys is Lord of Summerhall, you have yet rebuilt it after the-"
"Don't go there," Father warned. "Have you forgotten that night you were born?"
Rhaegar took a deep breath bowing his head, "Then allow them to visit me at Dragonstone. I have better security, and they can play on the beaches. Alysanne can play with Rhaenys."
"Enough," Father bellowed, silencing the room. "Your younger siblings will remain at the Red Keep. And when they come of age, they will be married."
"You can't be serious," Rhaegar yelled. "The bloodline needs fresh blood. Any further of incest, and you condemned the next generation."
"The bloodline must remain pure," Father sneered. "Just because your mother failed to provide you a wife and Lord Steffan a pure Valyrian bride, should you tell me who your siblings should wed. Any more and I will disown you, and make Viserys my heir."
Rhaegar glared, giving a bow before leaving.
Another shift as I was in the garden playing with Rhaenys and Viserys. We were running about in the garden playing tag, well more like Viserys chasing us. Mother and Elia were in the shade watching. Rhaegar came over as he placed a hand over Elia's shoulder.
"Did you manage to convince the king to let Alysanne and Viserys join us at Dragonstone?" Elia asked.
"No, he won't let them leave the castle," Rhaegar said with disappointment. "He also intends they marry."
Mother tensed when hearing this. Rhaegar saw this as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry, mother. I will figure something out."
Mother placed a hand on him, "One day."
Rhaenys and I came rushing over, tackling Rhaegar's leg's as we both cheered, "Play!"
Rhaegar smiled as he knelt down, picking us both up.
The moment he picked me up, I was falling. The wind screaming in my ear, falling into a dark abyss until crashing into the dark water. When I break the surface, I gasped, finding myself in Dragonstone. Along the shore was Viserys as a child with countless guards.
"Come on, Aly, you can't even swim," Viserys yelled.
"Gotcha!" a voice said, picking me up.
I looked at the person to see Ser Willem Darry. He smiled, giving a laugh, "You're just like Rhaegar. Too curious for your own good."
I merely smiled, then pouted. I remember…Father sent us away because of the war. The Usurper Robert Baratheon making his way down towards the tridents. Father's paranoid got the better of him, that he sent us to Dragonstone, yet kept Elia, Rhaenys, and Aegon behind. Let alone mother being pregnant.
The first time I touched the sand, to feel the water was an experience. Mother couldn't come down to the beach, although she had trust in Ser Willem Darry to take us to the beach and protect us. I watched seeing the man I consider as my father carry me back to shore.
Until the massive tidal wave consumes me in darkness. As visions crossed through my eyes. Seeing my family being killed. Watching Rhaegar being smashed by Robert Baratheon with a war hammer. Father shouting "Burn them All" as Ser Jaime stabbed him in the back. Rhaenys repeatedly be stabbed. Aegon, a mere babe, having his head smashed. Elia being raped before cut in half by the Mountain, the man who murdered butchered her children. Follow by mother lying in bed bleeding on the birthing bed while holding Daenerys.
"Daenerys," She told Ser Willem. "Her name is Daenerys."
Those were the last words before the light left her eyes.
"Please stop!" I screamed, yet water filled my lungs.
I saw Ser Willem alone in his room, coughing up blood. Coughing the life out of his vessel. I wanted to reach out and comfort him. To be there, instead of a physician wearing a plague mask. Until his last cough ended his life.
I cried as the recent deaths plagued me, seeing Viserys receiving his golden crown by Drogo. The duel between Drogo and Zekko. And lastly, Daenerys blocking Jhaqo from killing Rhaego. Seeing the arkh sliced along her chest.
"Dany!" I sobbed before choking on water. "Dany!"
Why did I see all this? Why this nightmare of death? I want it to stop. Make this nightmare stop. I felt like I was drowning in an abyss filled with pain from the family I lost. My left hand felt like it was on fire. My body aching with chills consuming my body. So much pain inside and out.
Until something glowed in the darkness. My eyes tried to adjust in the abyss, trying to make out the figure. It came closer, taking the resemblance of a person. Closer it came, until taking hold of my hand engulfing me in a bright light able to see the individual being none other than Daenerys.
"Is that what you fear?" Daenerys asked. "To be alone. You won't be alone."
"Dany," I mumbled.
She cradles my cheek and pecks me on the lips. I was bewildered, not sure what is going on inside her head.
"You are not alone. You have Jorah and Rhaego now. And one day, you'll have children of your own. Be happy." She murmured. "And I'm sorry for the burden I placed on you in raising my son. But I rather it be you than the Strangers hands. You can do this."
"I failed you," I whispered.
"You did not fail me," she assured, wiping a tear away. "You've raised me, and I grew up. Now it is time to raise yourself."
She leaned once more to kiss me, "Farewell. I love you."
"Dany, please don't go!" I Pleaded.
"Goodbye," she murmured before vanishing in a burst of light.
,o0o,
I blinked, covering my eyes. When I opened my eyes, no longer was I in a dark abyss drowning. This time I was lying on a cot staring at a statue of a ram. The scent of herbs filled the air, my hair drenched, while slightly unable to see everything. A stranger, an older woman, came over with a fresh bowl of water.
"Ah, you are awake," she said, removing the rag that was on my forehead. She took a dry rag and wiped it along my forehead, wiping the droplets off before placing a hand there. "Your fever has broken, thank the Great Shepard."
"Who?" I croaked slightly.
The woman smiled softly, "I'm Mirri Maz Duur. Infection festered your wound. Your husband brought you to me."
"Husband?" I asked, confused, still having sleep in my voice.
Mirri Maz Duur helped me adjust to see Jorah asleep while sitting next to the cot. A clear indication he hasn't been getting enough sleep from the bags under his eyes. I tried to remember what happened. I recall helping in packing camp and getting on my horse, Irri carrying Rhaego and Jorah being in the front while Rakharo in the back. Doreah riding next to me, then all went blank.
Along with the nightmare.
The woman moved as she poured a glass of water, handing it to me, "Drink. You need your fluids."
Still distorted, I drank the water she pressed against my lips. Feeling relief in my throat. Once my eyes finally adjusted, I could see it was the early hours of the morning. As the sky was grey through the open building.
"How long was I out?" I asked.
"Two days," Mirri Maz Duur answered, "Fortunately, your fever has broken. In a few days, you'll have your strength."
"Where are we?" I asked.
"You are in my village," she answered. "The Great Shephard guided your husband here for me to help you. Along with the rest of your party."
My eyes widen, trying to find Rhaego, yet he was nowhere to be seen. I panicked, trying to find my nephew. Mirri Maz Duur tried to calm me down, yet with everything that has been happening it's hard. I need to keep him in sight. Always there to protect him. The fuss caused Jorah to wake up.
"Alysanne," He started as he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Alysanne, it's alright."
"Rhae- "I spoke but started to cough.
Jorah took my hand while batting my back, "He's fine. Rhaegon is fine."
Rhaegon? I thought, confused as I tried to regain myself. He gave me a look to go along with the name. I merely nodded, although why change the name. Making Rhaego's name more Valyrian than a cross between Valyrian and Dothraki. Named after Rhaegar and Drogo. Not Rhaegar and Aegon.
"The others have him," Jorah assured.
I nodded, taking deep breaths to calm down.
"I'll let you two be," Mirri Maz Duur said before leaving.
We waited for a moment to ensure we were alone. After a few minutes, Jorah faced me.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "The Lhazareen are not keen with the Dothraki. If they learn of the boy's parentage, they might retaliate."
I nodded, let alone the Dosh Khaleen's prophecy. The Stallion who will Mount the World.
"Then let's go," I said, trying to stand up but stop from a sudden headache. Jorah caught me as he set me back down on the cot.
"We will leave tomorrow once you regain your strength." He promised.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled.
"No, I should be apologizing," he murmured. "I rushed things, not thinking about your injury."
I sighed, holding his hands. "We were both careless."
Jorah nodded in agreement as he lifted my hand and kissed my knuckle. I smiled softly. I loved these small gestures when we are alone.
"So…husband?" I teased.
A slight blush covered his cheeks, knowing that is one topic we barely talked about. I know whatever story he told the healer is to ensure none of the Lhazareen retaliate. The dark side of the Dothraki culture of enslaving the less fortunate. By the Seven, I pray we escape this dangerous world of violence. I know violence will always follow me for being a Targaryen. However, we can reduce the fear of death away from slavery land.
"Along Dany's name is Daniella," he added quietly. "You remember the talk we had about the origin."
I nodded.
Several months ago, we talked about the possibility of leaving the Dothraki if this were to happen while traveling. My story would be, I am Lysene. My parents originally from there until making trade in Braavos and moving there to explain my accent. Jorah said the best way to lie is to stay close to the truth. So, I traveled most of my life until meeting Jorah at a Pentos wedding. Now adding marriage to the story is something. Since we do basically not label what we are than lovers.
"Get some rest," he said. "I'll send Doreah to give you company while I plan for travel."
I can only nod, still exhausted despite waking up. Jorah leaned forward and gave me a kiss before getting up and leaving. I sighed, closing my eyes, falling back to sleep.
.o0o.
Jorah's POV
Jorah walked, stopping at the small hut where the other were at. Seeing Rakharo still on guard duty, as he sat by the door holding his arakh. Meanwhile, the girls were awake, while Rhaego was still asleep. They turned their attention to Jorah.
"How is she?" Doreah asked.
"She is awake, but I told her to rest," Jorah answered. "Hopefully, we will leave tomorrow."
Rakharo nodded, "Any of the khalasar will be here any day."
Jorah nodded in agreement. "Doreah, you go watch over Alysanne. Rakharo, stay here to keep watch of Irri and the boy. I'm going to see if anyone knows the nearest Port City and get supplies."
They all nodded. Doreah got up and went to the temple to keep Alysanne company. Jorah nodded to Rakharo before leaving the hut to see if there was a traveling merchant or anyone with a map of the area. He barely knows of this region in Essos. Mainly traveled around the Free Cities and the Dothraki Sea. He heard of different cities and their cultures in case he ever came to them. Yet he wasn't sure how to get there.
So, he walked around, seeing what he can find. It was tedious since these people have been isolated, mainly shepherds and farmers. Reminding him of the villages in the Riverlands. Yet he managed to meet a traveler who passes on news from the major cities. The traveler had a copy of a map Jorah purchased and helped him understand where they were. One of the major cities was in Ghiscari called Meereen. Yet, the traveler said it was a high population of slavery. A major risk to go there. But there were smaller port cities along the Skahazadhan that can take them to Volantis, where they can get another ship to Pentos. Although, there was another route through the Red Waste. Yet the traveler warned that there is not enough water location.
Jorah thanked the man for paying a gold coin. Before getting supplies, purchasing as many waterskins if they do end up going into the Red Waste. He needs to get Alysanne and Rhaego out of this territory of Dothraki attacks.
Sorry for the long wait for this story. I've been occupied by work and other stories.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!