Sister's Keeper

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones

Chapter 32: Concessions?

Five Months later

Alysanne's POV

I needed to distract myself to avoid the ache in my chest. Over the past five months, I occupied myself on a tight schedule. The moment I wake, I did my training with Ser Barristan and Grey Worm. Next, do some paperwork, before eating lunch with Daenerys. Afterward, I would deal with the supplicants or be training the dragons. When evening comes, I do one more hour with Ser Barristan training, before going to sleep.

Visneya visits have been more frequent than they used to be. In the realm of Dragonstone, she would continue my training with swords and hand to hand combat or dragon training. Using Vhagar, she would teach me how to train the dragons to use on Viserion and Rhaegal. So, when I wake on days I don't deal with supplicants, I focus on the two. Viserion complied easily since we were bonded. Rhaegal slightly tricky, which is understandable since he has no rider. Yet the two submitted, receiving rewards in treats. We also made the catacombs in the pits their sanctuary. They are still at liberty to fly freely, hunt in their favorite areas, but at night they return to rest in the Dragon Pits. Where three hundred Unsullied keep watch to ensure everyone's safety. This method has prevented the death of innocence.

The only dragon who has been absent has been Drogon. It has been many weeks since he has last been seen from the fishermen or Dragon Post in the Ghiscari province. Even New Ghis has sent word of their sighting, under the trade we establish. At least he is not killing people…that I am aware of. Daenerys still feels guilty in what has happened, the death of Zala. We gave the girl a proper burial, which her father was thankful, yet there was blame. We spent so much time taking care of the Freemen and Masters that we forgot about the dragons. Daenerys tried to distract herself in her lessons as well, if not correcting the Mass Halls a Barracks that there was order. The violence has dropped drastically, yet there was a new problem.

There was a group who calls themselves The Sons of the Harpy. They cause trouble by vandalizing the streets, destroying property, and thieving. Petty Masters or Meereenese who instead use violence than leave the new order. Grey Worm and the Unsullied have to settle with these conflicts, though we have to be cautious if things escalated. There was tension in the air after the Freemen elected their representative for the Meereen Council. A young man name Mossador. As much as the young man had spirit, there is a fire stirring inside. He can speak out his mine, trying to understand the Western culture I was establishing on justice. Mossador wasn't pleased when I told the Great Master to make a council, and have one representing them for the Meereen Council. The Great Masters were taking their time since they were waiting for Hizdahr zo Loraq so he could have a say.

It would be a week or two before Hizdahr zo Loraq and Daario Naharis will return from their envoy. Astapor went as expected, a slight war between Cleon the Butcher and the Second Sons. In the end, Cleon was butchered by Daario and Hizdahr helped reestablish the Council. What is taking so long was the Yunkish since they were stubborn based on the reports. The head of the Yunkish Wise Master restoration was Razdal mo Eraz, even though his father Grazdan mo Eraz surrendered and agreed to my terms. Grazdan was the one who tried to make a truce between the Wise Masters and I. Apparently, a few months ago Grazdan had a stroke, making him unable to perform diligently as one of the Council members.

Hopefully, Hizdahr zo Loraq has arranged terms and peace. Although, I have a feeling the Wise Master will try a compromise. I was already making a new law about contracts. Many freemen found jobs in the service and servants, stable boys, cattle masters, and other laboring position that did not involve the harvest. Of course, those types of contracts serve under one-year terms which will be renewed based on the employee. Not a slave. Employee. I was deliberating the concept of employer and employee so that Master and Slave is wiped away from their vocabulary. Already Fennesz gives an excellent example of how the contract work. When Fennesz and Master Mighdal arrived presenting the contract, as board and food are included, and a fair wage of a weekly payment, that allow the teacher to purchase property or save for his retirement. I even had the opportunity to meet Calla, who was in awe.

These distractions kept the sorrow in my heart away. Leaving me exhausted to not dream or think about Ser Jorah. Not opening the chest that held the items of gifts he gave me. I would wake, putting on a mask and try to keep moving forward. Currently, the Unsullied were taking down the Harpy statues off the Great Pyramid. It has been a long delay since the builders were going over the plans of removing the statue safely without damaging the pyramid and preventing injuries. I remember everyone jumping when hearing the harpy statue coming down not expecting it. Now that the figure was taken care of, others were removing the wings and horns, leaving the naked woman. Places that had the wings as supporting the faces of the statues were removed.

A goddess stood before Meereen, not a harpy.

The people prefer seeing a marble statue of a mother figure and not a harpy. The only exception in where the Harpy statue resides were in religious temples and the Pits. I can not wipe away everything, even though the freemen wanted it.

The following day, I was in the study going over paperwork when the Small Council came in. Something has happened, based on their faces. Ser Barristan informed me that one of the Unsullied officers was murder on his leave. Found dead in a brothel with his throat slit. Ser Barristan held a golden mask of a neutral face with horns.

"Son of the Harpy?" I assumed.

"Yes, Your Grace." Ser Barristan confirmed, setting the mask on my desk. "They left it on the body."

"They've never killed before," I sighed, standing up.

"It was only a matter of time, Your Grace. Conquerors always meet with resistance," Ser Barristan said.

"I didn't conquer them. Their own people did," I corrected. "I just provided the weapons."

"They do not see us as people, Your Grace," Mossador said.

"Then they will have to learn to see things differently, Mossador," I promised. "He did not risk his life fighting for his freedom so cowards in masks could take it away. And we did not take up residence in this pyramid to witness the city below decline into chaos. What was the name of the man you lost?"

"Timpa Genes," Grey Worm answered. "White Rat, Your Grace."

"We should have him buried with honor, publicly in the Temple of the Graces," Daenerys suggested.

Grey Worm and Mossador nodded.

"The Sons of the Harpy will hear that message," Ser Barristan said.

"Make them very angry," Mossador added.

"Angry snakes lash out," Daenerys murmured. "Makes chopping off their heads that much easier."

I sighed walking over to Ser Barristan and Grey Worm, "Find the men who did this and bring them to me. Hopefully, they have information that we can put an end to this ruckus. And most importantly trial them to give Timpa Genes justice. Also, have the Unsullied patrolling the streets. If we have the men on patrol, it will prevent the Sons of the Harpy from lashing out in public."

All the men nodded as they left.

And to think things were getting better, I thought, picking up the harpy mask.

.o0o.

Grey Worm's POV

Grey Worm was in the pyramids barracks where the Unsullied were preparing to go on patrol. All of his brothers were determined to find the Sons of the Harpy, especially the men who killed their brother, White Rat. What Princess Daenerys offered burial at the temple of the Graces, he was pleased, though he had to make sure the verses of their goddess is spoken. The Unsullied do not worship the Harpy, they worship the Great Goddess of the Unsullied, who goes by many names: The Lady of Spears, Bride of Battle, and Mother of Hosts. No one knows her actual name since her name belongs to those who burn off their manhood upon her alter. Those who do are the Ultimate Unsullied. Although, that practice is limited for the Ultimate Unsullied could die from infection if the ritual was not done right.

Otherwise, the Unsullied do their worship of purifying themselves in salt water. Confidently, the Lady of Spears have taken White Rat and gives her love to him. Many of his brothers think Alysanne was the Bride of Battle reincarnated in human form. To Grey Worm, he believes his Queen was sent to them by the Lady of Spears to use their skills the honorable way.

It was hard right now since White Rat died in his vulnerable state. Recently, the Unsullied have taken their days off either resting, strolling, or in the brothels. His brother found in the brothel, where he was seeking a woman's touch. An Unsullied cannot perform like any man, but they too crave a woman's touch. Some to feel their mother's warmth while others simply to be held. So Grey Worm will make sure White Rat killer is brought to justice.

One of his comrades came over helping him in his armor when he heard his name being called, "Torgo Nudho."

Grey Worm turned around smiling slightly to see, "Missandei hin Naath."

He wonders why she was here. Assuming she brings a message from their Queen or Princess.

"I wanted to speak with you?" Missandei asked.

The men grabbed their gears leaving the room to give privacy. Once Unsullied were gone, Grey worm looked at her, "Why do you come?"

"White Rat, the Unsullied who…I have heard they found his body in a brothel. I have heard that more than on Unsullied have been known to visit Meereen's brothels. May I ask you why?" she asked.

Grey Worm's eyes water slightly and face tensed. He blinks a few times to suppress the tears.

"Why would an Unsullied go to a brothel?" she asked.

"I do not know," he answered. "I must go."

Missandei nodded, stepping aside so he could leave. He grabbed his helmet and spear leaving the room. What the Unsullied do in the brothel was personal. Her asking him that, reminded him he was not suitable for her.

.o0o.

Alysanne's POV

A week later Hizdahr zo Loraq and Daario Naharis returned from their envoy. I sat on the ebony bench greeting the two. Daario went first announcing that Astapor has been freed from the liberation of the tyrant Cleon the Butcher. As he presented a massive cleaver the traitor once used in combat. I thank Daario in bringing order back to Astapor, and protecting the people from the brutality Cleon bestowed on them. Next was Hizdahr, as he stood on the steps presenting his reports.

"Our mission to Yunkai and Astapor was resounding success. The Wise Masters of Yunkai have agreed to cede power to a council of elders made up of both the freed men and the former slaveholders. All matters of consequence will be brought to you for review," Hizdahr reported.

"Excellent," I said. "I thank you, Hizdahr zo Loraq."

"They did ask for some concessions," he continued.

"Concessions?" I repeated.

"Politics is the art of compromise, Your Grace." He said.

"I'm not a politician," I reminded. "I am a queen."

I could somewhat hear a slight chuckle from Ser Barristan. It sounded of patted breathing that someone would consider it so. When it was just his way of suppressing a laugh.

"Forgive me. You're right, of course." Hizdahr said. "Still, it's easier to rule happy subjects than angry ones."

"We don't expect the Wise Masters to be happy," Daenerys said. "Slavery made them rich. We ended slavery."

"They do not ask for the return of slavery. They ask for the reopening of the fighting pits," he clarified.

"The fighting pits?" I asked. "Where slaves fought slaves to the death? Fed to wild animals if they are weak?"

"In the new world that you've brought to us, free men would fight free men," he explained.

Daario grabbed his stiletto caressing the handle.

"The pit fighters you liberated, plead for this opportunity. Bring some here and ask them yourself." Hizdahr continued. "Opening them would show the people of Yunkai and Meereen that you respect their traditions."

"Tell me why the fighting pits are so special than a profit of death?" I asked him. "What traditions do blood on sand have for the Ghiscari?"

"Long ago, before the Valyrian Freehold, it was my ancestor's way for a blood sacrifice to the gods of Ghis. We do this to appease our gods for a good harvest, the river flows, and life." He answered.

"So instead of sacrificing a lamb, you slaughter men," Daenerys sneered.

I lifted my hand to silence her. I did make a promise not to suppress people of their religion. Seeing this was an offer, not a demand, I stared into Hizdahr eyes, "I will read the concession and meet the masters and talk with the previous champions on their perspective about it. But I can't give you a solid answer if the fighting pits will be open or not."

"The fact that you will consider it is much appreciated," Hizdahr said.

"Thank you, Hizdahr zo Loraq, you have done great deeds for the realm and your family," I said. "You are free to go."

Hizdahr gave a bow and left. Since there were no supplicants today, I stood up and left the Audience Hall. I needed some time to think about what the Masters were asking, and the replacement they are willing to change in order to keep the tradition.

.o0o.

Daenerys's POV

Daenerys sat up after having sex with Daario. It has been many months since Daario left to deal with Cleon the Butcher and Yunkai. Seems the Captain of the Second Sons was satisfied from war, and now he and his lover are satisfied in bed. She watched Daario get up from bed to pour them some drinks.

"Whatever he wants from us, he's not going to get it," Daenerys said, securing a blanket to her chest. "If he really believes Alysanne is going to reopen the fighting pits…"

"She should reopen the fighting pits," Daario casually said.

This surprised Daenerys, "What?"

"My mother was a whore. I told you that," Daario said, pour the brandy into a glass chalice. "She liked to drink pear brandy. The older she got, the less she made selling her body, the more she wanted to drink." He returned to bed handing her a glass. "So, one day, when I was twelve, she sold me to a slaver she fucked the night before."

He clicks their glasses together.

"I'm sorry," Daenerys apologized.

"Why? I was a bad child." He murmured. "I wasn't big, but I was quick. And I loved to fight. So, they sold me to the man in Tolos who trained fighters for the pits. I had my first match when I was sixteen."

"You were sold into slavery, forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the masters, and you're defending the fighting pits?" She asked utterly baffled.

Daario took a few sips of his drink, then chuckle, "I'm only here because of those pits. I learned to fight like a Dothraki screamer, a Norvoshi priest, a Westerosi knight. Soon I was famous. Ten thousand men and women screamed my name when I stepped into the pit. I made so much money for my master, he set me free when he died. I joined the Second Sons. And then I met you."

Daenerys sighed, knowing fate has its reasons. She was just tired of fighting. As much as the Dothraki used combat in their way of life, she knew when they were training, roughhousing, and intent on killing. But that day at the goat village in Lhazar, sacking the Lhazareen she could not handle. Watching innocent people being killed for resisting to become slaves. She blames herself for that since she whispered the Iron Throne in Drogo's ear. If she were a patient, her immediate family would still be alive.

"You're the princess," Daario continued. "Everyone's too afraid of you to speak the truth. Everyone but me. You and your sister have made thousands of enemies all across the world. As soon as they see weakness, they'll attack. Show your strength here, now."

"That's why Alysanne has the Unsullied patrolling the streets." She reminded.

Daario scoffed, "Anyone with a chest full of gold can buy an army of Unsullied. You're not the Mother of Unsullied. You're the Mother of Dragons."

She looked down having a flashback, "I don't want another child's bones dropped at my feet. No one's seen Drogon in weeks. For all I know, he's flown halfway across the world. I can't control him anymore."

He arched a brow, "A dragon princess with no dragons is not a princess."

"You sound like everyone as if Alysanne is going to die," Daenerys mumbled.

"Your sister took a step by abolishing slavery. She has created many enemies, ones who be happy to kill her to end her reign." He murmured. "We all want you prepared if something does happen to her. Either you decide to take back the Iron Throne or stay here, we all want you to be ready."

The next morning, Daenerys went outside to the field behind the pyramid where the Unsullied usually train. There she found Alysanne with Viserion and Rhaegal in her attempt to train the dragons. She was speaking in Valyrian, though careful of not saying the Dragon Rider spells. As there were targets and mock stands, as the dragoness tried to get the dragons to do tactical tricks. Every time the dragons got a trick right, they receive a chunk of meat.

Daenerys stood there, as she watches Alysanne trying to get the dragons to take turn by breathing fire without using the verbal command. Viserion breathed fire, then Rhaegal, before they were switching to keep a constant flow of flames. The Mother of Dragon was surprised, and realize how intelligent her sister was. She knew her sister was smart but didn't think she was that smart. Once the dragons were finished, they sat on the ground. Alysanne came over to Rhaegal and started petting his neck that caused the dragon to purr. Viserion jealous, rushed over forcing his head in between that knocked Alysanne down making her laugh.

"Jealous lizard," Alysanne laughed.

Daenerys came over, "How's the training?"

"It's going well," Alysanne answered as she shoved Viserion's head. "They got better on controlling their flames."

Daenerys nodded as she rubbed the top of Rhaegal's head, "Can I join you?"

"Join me in what?" the eldest asked, standing up.

"In dragon training?" Daenerys clarified.

Alysanne looked at her sister, staring at her attire. Daenerys was wearing a dress while Alysanne wore pants and a Dothraki vest.

"Well first, you need to change," she said.

The youngest sister smiled and hugged her. This surprised Alysanne who stumbled back falling to the ground. Viserion and Rhaegal stood there and watched tilting their heads. And they thought they tussle about.

Now we are in Season 5!

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