Pale Fire Ch. 17
R'hllor walked quietly through the Khalasar, unable to keep the smile off his face, the people were happy and celebrating. He couldn't blame them, there was much to celebrate, they defeated the Lannister army, unified the khalasars, and most importantly Khal Drogo was able to show his prowess by killing the Mountain; Ser Gregor, that alone will send the message to the remaining Houses of Westeros that the Dothraki will not yield, no matter who they sent.
His eyes finding the Great Khal sitting with his wife, holding her as though she was going to disappear. For such a strong and violent man, he was tender with her, with Rhogoro, and soon he would be with their other children. You wouldn't know this by looking at him, but Drogo was a warm-hearted soul to those he loved and respected.
Making his way towards the Sky Herd, he found Helios and Chiron laying in the grass together. Smirking when Chiron turned his head towards him, always seeing past his little tricks. "One day, I'll be able to sneak up on you, my old friend."
Carefully dislodging himself from his mate, Chiron shook his head as he stood, "Never." Looking over at him, "I'm assuming that the humans aren't able to see you." His eyes turning towards the khalasar.
"No, I will visit Rose when she heads to her tent in a bit." Letting his eyes drift towards the pair, smiling at how Rose was holding her son, and her husband was holding them both. "Her labor will start after I leave. How long are you planning on staying?" he asked the pair.
Helios stood next her mate, "Until they are both safe, then we will join our family on the mountain." It has been a long time since she witnessed the birth of humans.
Chiron looked over at his mate, knowing that she loved Rose, and that it was important for her be here for the girl. Looking back at R'hllor, seeing his smile, "After the birth, we will head home, but I must know, is there anything else coming, I'm sure that girl would like to rest a while before you have her riding off into another war."
Tilting his head back, he couldn't help but laugh, "For now, yes, but this a very violent world, as we all know." While he loved the peaceful times within his realm, it was the war that made it home.
Snorting, "And they call you the God of Fire and Light, perhaps you should rename yourself the God of Blood and War." He teased him.
"You are so hilarious my friend, I am just being realistic, our world is built on the principles of men fighting and honor, it gives them purpose. In time, the land will know some peace, and it will last a century or two." It was truly something that the was looking forward to, a time of peace, prosperity, but also keeping the principle of Westeros and Essos alive. Slightly wide, free, and savage.
Helios looked over the two of them, after all these centuries, when they got together it was like two children teasing each other back and forth. "One day, my love, you will act your age." Looking at R'hllor, "You as well."
Reaching up to touch her neck, R'hllor couldn't help but chuckle "Never my beauty, never." Letting out a sigh, he could see the moon starting to rise high in the sky, it was getting close to the time when Rose would go into labor. Turning his attention back to the pair, "It's almost time," his eyes falling onto her, seeing her head towards her tent, knowing that she was going to lay down. Looking over his shoulder, "See you both soon enough. Goodbye my friends."
Chiron watched as he disappeared into a cloud of red smoke, chuckling, "Always had a flare for the dramatic." Looking over at his mate, "You aren't going to want to leave after they arrive, are you?" Knowing the answer
Rubbing her face against his neck, "It will be difficult, but our place is on our mountain, but there is a chance I might visit her from time to time."
Gently nipping her neck, "I wouldn't expect anything less." He was fairly certain if he tried to stop her, she'd hurt him a bit.
Laying on her furs, Rose could feel her child kicking, gently rubbing her belly, "Soon my sweet Najo, you will join our Khalasar." Closing her eyes as she felt him nudge against her stomach a bit harder. Taking a deep breath, doing what she could to get comfortable, but finding it exceedingly difficult.
"Sooner than you think my dear."
Looking up, Rose found R'hllor sitting in the chair, "Well, don't you look comfortable." She teased. Not wanting to move from her spot, Rose sat up, using the furs to boost her up. "Please tell me you're not here to send me somewhere else."
Waving his hand, "No, not sending you anywhere, just wanted to check on you before you got busy with your bundle of joy." His eyes settling on her stomach. "You've had a busy few days. How are you feeling?"
Letting out a sigh, "I'm tired, glad all this with the Lannister's is over with," looking into his eyes, "Please tell me that we are done for a while. Please." A little desperate for a little peace and quiet.
Giving her a very small smile, "I am so sorry, I can see that every time I have visited you, in one form or another, it was to direct you one way or another, how disconcerting." Taking a moment, "No, my beautiful young Rosalind, there is nothing coming over the horizon, at least for a while. So, enjoy your growing family."
Relief filled her, "Well that's good, now, my next question is, what are you going to do with your free time?" She teased.
Leaning back a bit, R'hllor smiled down at her, "Rest, I try to do so often, it takes a lot of energy to run my realm."
"I'm sure it does," flinching as she felt the baby kick again. Taking a deep breath, Rose could see him smiling down at her, "I'm in labor, aren't I?" she asked him.
Nodding, "Yes, my lovely girl you are." Standing up, R'hllor made his way over to her, kneeling in front of her, "As always, you're going to be fine, and hey, no fire this time." He teased, chuckling at her face.
Frowning, "That was absolutely terrifying, I hope you know. A little heads up to my newfound ability would have been nice." Giving him a pointed look.
Kissing her head, "I know, and I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention to scare you, I was going to explain that to you, but Iagan seemed to have accelerated my plans. Humans tend to do that." Taking a second, he gently touched her belly, feeling them getting ready to make their entrance to the world. "It's almost time, go find your husband, he'll want to watch over you, especially since last time."
Taking her by the shoulders, R'hllor helped her to her feet, he could see the first contractions hit, "I'm sorry that there is nothing to prevent all the pain." Feeling her squeeze his hands.
Hissing through the pain, Rose looked up into his red eyes, "Well, if I was back in my world, I'd have an epidural." Taking a slow breath, Rose pulled her hand out of his, taking a tentative step towards the exit, "I guess it's time, will I see you again?" she asked him.
Nodding at her, "In time, I will check in with you from time to time. Goodbye, Rosalind."
It never ceased to amaze her how he entered or exited a room, "Show off." She muttered to the now empty space. Taking another step towards the exit, Rose felt warmth run down her legs, looking down she could see the puddle underneath her, "Here we go."
Opening the flap, she could see a slave girl tending to the fire, "Go find The Great Khal, let him know the baby is coming!" Not really meaning to bark at the poor girl.
Looking towards the voice, "Yes, my Khaleesi."
Rose watched as the slave ran deeper into the khalasar, knowing that Drogo would be momentarily with the midwives, she made her way to the chair, not wanting to stain their furs that they slept on. Breathing through her contraction, if she was mentally timing them correctly, they were about 5 minutes apart. The pain from these contractions seemed more intense then the first time, but perhaps being terrified of burning alive was a great distraction.
Hunching over as another hit, Rose bit her cheek, not wanting to scream out, at least not until it was time to start pushing. Exhaling slowly, doing what she could to ease her discomfort, but nothing was working, not that. Rubbing her belly, "Najo, you are going to be strong like your brother, I can feel it in my bones." Getting to her knees, Rose held onto the chair, finding a little relief from changing positions, her head on the seat, "I can do this." She said to herself, trying to give herself words of encouragement.
Drogo was sitting around with his riders and the other Khals, enjoying the last few days of drinking, eating, and just being able to enjoy their victory. It was a bit strange, a little over a year ago, if he would have run into one of these Khalasars in his travels, the likely chance of them fighting would have been great, but they were riding together, allies, and one would even say friends.
While they wouldn't always ride as one horde, the other Khals would lead their people, as is the way of the Dothraki, but now when they would cross each other on their journeys, they would probably ride together for a while, then go back on their own way, coming together in times of great need.
Moro looked over at the man that he once hated, and for the life of him, he couldn't remember why he ever disliked the man, perhaps it was jealousy. Drogo was so young compared to the other Khals, yet even before he met his wife, he was commanding one of the biggest hordes, his battle skills were making the city dwellers tremble. Looking back on it now, it was petty and weak.
Letting his eyes drift towards his wives, he could see that they were still holding themselves apart from the other Khaleesi's, only engaging when it was necessary, at first, he was angry and embarrassed, but he soon realized it was because of the years he spent talking about how much better he was then the rest of the Dothraki, their failings were his. As he watched them, he knew that when they were alone, he would need to correct his error before anymore animosity could build between them and the other woman.
Drogo could see that Moro was in a deep thought, his eyes looking to what he was staring at, finding him stare at his wives. "Debating on adding another?" He teased.
Snorting, Moro turned his attention to the Great Khal, "No, two are more than enough," rubbing his beard, "just need to handle their attitudes in private."
The other Khals shared a look, it was something that they all agreed with, but wasn't their place to say, unless they disrespected their wives.
"MY GREAT KHAL, THE KHALEESI, THE BABY, HE COMES!" A voice screamed into the night.
Dropping his cup, Drogo stood and ran towards the tent, his heart pounding, fear creeping into his soul, remembering when his first son entered this world. He only felt any relief when his eyes spotted the their tent, "Someone get the midwives." He barked out.
Making his way inside, his eyes finding her crouching against the chair, "Moon of my life, are you alright?" He asked, kneeling down next her, gently rubbing her back.
Leaning into his hand, "Sun and Stars, I am fine. In pain, but this is normal." Taking a few deep and slow breaths, "Where is our son?" Needing to know that he is safe.
Placing a soft kiss on her lips, "He is with Dali, she will keep him until Najo comes into this world." Wrapping his arms around her waist, "What do you need my moon?" Wanting to do what he could to make this easier on her.
Smiling up at him, "Nothing at this time, my sun and stars, just be here." Flinching as another contraction pushed through her body, if she was guessing, they were about a minute between contractions, which meant it was time to start pushing.
Liri entered the Great Khal's tent, "My Great Khal, honored Khaleesi, may I enter?" She asked from the entryway.
Rose could only just nod, "Yes. Please." Growling through the pain.
Making her way to the Khaleesi, her eyes finding the Khal, "I need to check her, would you please put her on the furs?" She asked him.
Lifting her into his arms, Drogo carefully carried her to the area that the midwife was pointing, knowing that she wanted to do this in their tent. Placing her down, his eyes never leaving the woman who was now checking his wife. His arms never leaving her body, while it was not traditional for the husband to with their wives when they gave birth, watching his son come into the world the first time was amazing and he would always be with her every time.
Maneuvering himself behind her, letting his legs encompass her, leaning forward, Drogo linked his hands with hers. "Squeeze as hard as you need, Moon of my life."
Looking over her shoulder, Rose smiled, "I love you." Taking a deep breath, her eyes looking down at Liri, "I need to push." She cried out.
Liri gently lifted her dress, seeing the baby's head, "Push my Khaleesi. Your son is almost here."
Pushing down, Rose couldn't help but cry out, the pain was almost unbearable, but for every contraction, she pushed, wanting to hold her son.
Drogo watched as his wife brought her son into this world, wiping some sweat off her forehead, he placed a gentle kiss on her, "You can do this, my moon." Refusing to complain about how hard she was squeezing his hand, if she could bring a child into the world, he'd live with a broken finger.
Looking up the pair, Liri couldn't help but smile, "He's almost here, push my Khaleesi." Using her hands, carefully pulling him when she pushed, rolling him to keep the cord from wrapping around his neck.
Screaming out, Rose pushed hard as she could, feeling her body being torn, but soon she felt the relief of his shoulders clearing her body. Falling back against her husband, her eyes filled with tears the moment he screamed out, his lungs filling with air.
Clamping off his cord, Liri wrapped the young boy in sheets, "My Khal, My Khaleesi, your son, Najo." Gently placing the baby in her arms.
Rose kissed his head, but as she looked into her husband's face, a wave of pain hit her, "Take him my Sun and Stars." She cried out. Handing him to his father, Rose screamed out, "Liri, what is this?!"
Drogo pulled his son into his arms, his eyes watching his wife scream, "Moon, tell me what you need?" His heard pounding, was he about to lose her?
Gripping his hand, "Take our son to meet his khalasar," tears running down her face, "Drogo, protect him. Please." Another wave of pain coursed over her, "I don't want him to see this, go." Not wanting him to be present if she was about to bleed out. Screaming out again, she watched as her husband left the tent, his eyes filled with concern, "I love you."
Drogo walked out, hating to leave her, but she was trying to protect their son, shaking off his nerves, his eyes finding the khalasar kneeling before him, but it was the sight of the Great Stallion and his mate
moving to the front of the people.
Helios carefully made her way around the humans, her eyes watching the squirming baby in the Khal's arms. Looking down at the bundle, putting her nose on his little tummy.
Chiron waited for his mate, when she stepped back, he did the same, while Rhogoro was the Stallion that mounts the World, it was important for the Khalasar to see them welcome and acknowledge the children.
Tucking his son into his chest, Drogo gently touched the both of them, "Please Great Stallion, help my Khaleesi." He whispered to them. Stepping back, Drogo cradled his son, lifting him to the sky, "Najo, my son, welcome to your Khalasar." Unable to smile when he could hear them calling out his name, his mind wandering over to his wife, hoping that the Great Stallion was heard his prayers to keep her safe.
Rose screamed out, "Liri, am I bleeding out?" She asked, tears filling her eyes.
Looking up at her Khaleesi, "No, you are having another baby. Twins, Khaleesi." Looking down, she could see the foot, "Khaleesi, the baby is coming out feet first, I have to turn it, or it will kill you both." Liri knew this would be excruciating, but if she was going to save them both, it was necessary.
Laying down on her back, Rose knew what she needed to do, she had to do it once when she delivered her neighbors kid back home. "Just do it." She said, gritting her teeth together.
Closing her eyes, Rose tried to do what she could to block out the pain, but as she felt Liri reach inside her body, Rose screamed loudly, tears rolling down her face, turning her head she bit down on the furs, not wanting to scare her husband anymore than he was already.
Turning the baby, Liri kept the cord from wrapping around the baby's neck, keeping her hand on the baby, she looked up at her Khaleesi, seeing the agony all over her face. "Push Khaleesi, PUSH!" Wanting to get the baby out as quickly as possible.
"I can't. I'm so tired." She cried out.
"Khaleesi, you have the Stallion, you have Najo, and now you have this little surprise, they need their mother. Now, PUSH!" She yelled, hoping that it would help the Khaleesi focus.
Sitting up on her elbows, Rose was almost tempted to kick the woman in her face, but she wasn't wrong, her children needed her. Taking a deep breath, Rose bared down, crying as she attempted to push out her child.
Knowing that the Khaleesi was tired, Liri carefully pulled the baby, seeing the baby's head, she knew another good push, and the baby would be brought into this world. "Almost there my Khaleesi, one more good push."
Inhaling deeply, Rose bared down on her contraction, "FUCK!"
Liri carefully pulled the baby out, quickly rubbing the baby's back to start the screaming, Liri gently wrapped the little bundle and placed the baby on her chest. "You have a daughter, My Khaleesi."
Wrapping her arms around her baby girl, Rose couldn't help but cry, she was fine, her son was fine and now her beautiful baby girl was fine. Looking down on her chest, she could see that her skin was like her father's a nice caramel, her hair a deep chocolate, but when her she looked into her eyes, they were hers staring back. "My beautiful girl, you shall be called, Nalli." Placing a gentle kiss on her head, her eyes found her husband staring down at her. "A daughter as well, my Khal."
Drogo still holding his son, moving slowly towards his wife, his eyes looking between her and the baby that was squirming in her arms, "My moon, you both are well?" He asked her. Dropping to his knees, letting his head fall onto hers. Feeling relief as she placed her small hand on his neck.
"I am my love. Tired, surprised, but we are both fine." Her hand gently rubbing the back of his neck, her fingers lightly touching the base of his braid. "Her name is Nalli, do you approve my Sun and Stars."
Carefully lifting the baby into his arms, Drogo leaned over, kissing her head, "It is as beautiful as she." Slowly standing, his eyes drifted down to his wife, then to the midwife, "Clean her up." As he moved towards the tent with both of his children in his arms, he looked back at his wife, "Rest my moon, for your children will be hungry soon."
Heading back to the Khalasar, he could see that his people were staring at him, smirking when they all gasped and dropped to their knees. Letting his eyes fall to the Great Stallion and his mate, making his way towards them, "A daughter, Nalli." Pride rolling out of his pores.
Helios couldn't believe it, she knew she heard the two heart beats, but to see both of them together, both of them looking like her father, but Nalli had her mother's eyes. "My mate, they are beautiful." Placing her nose on the little girl's belly, happy that she was able to be here for them both.
Chiron nuzzled his mate's neck, then turned towards the baby, "She is my mate." Nuzzling her stomach. "We will stay for another day; I know you want to check on Rose before we go." He said to her, stepping back.
Helios couldn't help but feel happy, her mate knew deeply she cared about Rose, and now her children. "Thank you."
Stepping back, they both nodded to the Khal, and turned towards the grasslands, knowing that he needed to address the Khalasar about his twins.
Drogo watched as they slowly made their way up the hill, he knew that they would stick close until they could see that she was safe. Turning his attention to the horde, their eyes watching him, "Your Khaleesi, has not only blessed me with another son, but a daughter as well, she shall be called Nalli!"
Rhogoro carefully wormed his way towards the front, his eyes taking in the babies in his father's arms, "Brother and sister?" He asked a bit confused.
Kneeling down so that his Stallion could see his siblings. "Yes, my stallion, Najo and Nalli." He could see his eyes staring down at them, "Will you protect them, my son?"
Placing a kiss on his baby brother, then his sister, "Yes. Rhogoro will protect." Walking around his father, he made his way to their tent, his eyes finding his mother laying down, and one of the slaves sitting next to her. Not bothering to speak, he carefully laid down next to her, wanting to help; protect her.
Liri watched over the pair as the young man carefully held onto his mother, it was no surprise to her how attentive the Stallion was over his mother, he was very much like the Great Khal, strong, but loving deeply. If he continued on this path, the young prince would be one of the Greatest Khal's to ever walk these lands.
Sansa looked over at Ser Sandor, while a rough man, he was a strong man, and great protector. Keeping her eyes forward, she watched as the giant globs of snow fell to the ground, sticking to the trees and rocks. Inhaling deeply, enjoying the crisp air that the North had.
Sparing a glance at the man that has been helping her get home for the last few weeks, "Ser Sandor, how much longer do you think?" she asked him.
Looking over at the poor girl, the last few weeks have been rough on her, but to his surprise, she never really complained, just kept herself quiet, and doing what she could to help out when they couldn't find lodging. Perhaps the only thing that being around Joffrey has done for the girl was strengthen her grit.
Heading over the ridge, he pointed ahead, "We are here." His eyes taking in the castle of Winterfell, while not as large as the Red Keep, it was an impressive site.
She could feel tears sliding down her face, "Thank you, for everything." Her voice cracking.
Sandor wished he could understand this sense of relief that she was feeling, but he never had a loving home, his brother tormenting him, his father making excuses, his mother just being a useless cunt, perhaps he was jaded by the whole notion of family. But when he looked over at young Sansa, he could see what having a good life, and loving family awarded you, hope.
Clearing his throat, "You are most welcome, Little Bird." His eyes never leaving the towers, "Lower your hood, Sansa, we don't want them attacking us without just cause." Hoping that they would observe before they shot arrows into them.
Doing as he said, Sansa looked up at the towers, she could see the men raising the bridge, she swore Ser Sandor could hear her heart pounding. "What do I say when we enter?" she asked, nervous about everything.
Keeping his eyes above him, sparing the young girl a glance, "Just ask for your brother Jon Snow, he's the acting Lord of Winterfell until Bran can be located." Smiling at the relief on her face.
Keeping his eyes forward, Sandor never let her leave his line of sight, "Stay behind me, until we know that Jon is here." There was no need to let the girl die after such a long journey.
Looking over at the guard, Sansa could see the tension in his neck as he looked over at Ser Sandor. Clearing her throat, wanting his attention back on her, "I am Lady Sansa, I am here to see my brother Jon Snow, acting Lord of Winterfell."
Before the guard was able to even greet her, her name was being called from above.
Moving to overlook the courtyard, Jon looked at his second, seeing him stare at the gates. Following his line of sight, gasping at what he saw.
"SANSA!" he yelled out. Running down the stairs he made his towards her, wanting to feel her in his arms, it had been close to 3 years since he's seen his little sister.
Jumping off her horse, Sansa ran straight into his arms, "JON! I have missed you." Wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, "I should never have left home." Tears were streaming down her face.
Squeezing her tightly, Jon held her close, one thing was for sure, there was nothing that was going to take her from him again. He knew Bran was making his way back to Winterfell, his men located him and were bringing him home, only one now missing was Arya, he would soon do what he could to find her.
Sandor watched as they held onto each other, while it was still a new concept to see love between siblings, it was something that he was pleased to be able to witness.