Pale Fire Ch. 2
Ciar watched over the girl throughout the night, the servant girl Mesi sitting on the opposite side of her quietly knitting, it was at least peaceful. The other female servants of the house would chatter endlessly about anything, and everything, the cutest Lord, who fucks the best.
It always annoyed Ciar with how even as free women they behaved like common sex slaves, fucking any Lord or Lady that so much as hinted that they were interested. Other women of Essos weren't so lucky, they were squandering their good fortune.
Taking a rag, Ciar gently wiped her face smiling as she leaned into the touch. "Soon my Lady you will wake in this new world and bring great things to Essos."
Mesi watched as the witch tended to the girl, looking down, she couldn't help but smile, they were probably the same age or at least close to it. Putting down the needle work, "May I ask a question, wise one?"
Placing the rag down, Ciar looked at the young girl, "You may."
Never taking her eyes of the young woman, "Outside the Lord, and us, who will know she's not from this world?" Worried about the young woman's safety.
Locking her eyes with hers, "No one. It is imperative that it remains secret. So, no blabbing it to the others." She warned her.
Nodding her understanding, "I would never betray you," while she was a servant to Lord Illyrio, her mother raised her never to cross a witch, while a master could take your life, a witch could do more damage to it than any mere human.
"What is she to this house, so I can start spreading the rumors appropriately?" Knowing that the moment she stepped out of the room, she would be bombarded with questions of the new guest.
"Just inform them that during the night, Lord Illyrio's niece arrived, and she is resting, and not to disturb her." Letting out a sigh, "You will be her handmaid in this House," waving her hand, "While Lord Illyrio and I will teach her the ways of being a Lady in this world, you will be responsible for teaching her how to navigate this House."
Mesi bowed at the witch, "I am honored." Sparing the woman one last look, she picked up her needles and returned to her work.
It was the pounding in her ears that she felt first, "Ow." Not even bothering to open her eyes, Rosalind just wanted to lay in this bed a little longer before she attempted to open her eyes. Letting her brain come to, she started doing a mental inventory on anything that felt like it was in pain, but to her surprise she didn't feel anything other then sore.
Well perhaps she was very well medicated in the Fairbanks Hospital and that was why she wasn't feeling anything.
Taking a tentativemoment, Rose carefully wiggled her fingers, feeling a bit of relief when she didn't find that motion to hard or painful. Continuing the same action with her toes, Rose felt a weight lift off her body, at least she wasn't paralyzed.
A voice came through the fog, "My Lady, you're moving, please open your eyes, it will let us know you're OK."
Rosalind knew that she needed to, but the thought of looking up into the bright lights of a hospital definitely wasn't appealing, but it needed to be done. Mentally preparing herself for the onslaught of lights, Rose counted to 3 in her head and slowly opened her eyes.
Slapping her hand over her eyes as the light made its way in, "Fuck." She murmured. But the light chuckling to her right amused her, at least she was entertaining the staff. Slowly taking her hand away, she blinked several times, letting the room come into focus.
The first thing she focused on was the ceiling above her, this wasn't like any hospital she's ever been in.
Seeing that the ceiling was made of what appeared to be marble. Blinking a few more times, trying to clear the cobwebs in her brain, her eyes took in gold molding, this wasn't right, unless she ended up in a Beverly Hills Hospital, there was no way this was Alaska.
Sitting up slowly, her eyes taking in the room around her, from the pillars to fireplace, and hell the bed she was in, it was something out of an Ancient Period movie. Taking a second to center herself, her eyes landed on an older woman and a younger watching her. Swallowing her spit, her eyes locked on the older one, "Where am I?" she asked hoping for an explanation that made sense.
Ciar watched as the woman took in her surroundings, pleasantly surprised with how calm she was, looking into her eyes, she could see that she knew something wasn't right, at least for her world. "My Lady, you are in the Land of Essos, the Free City of Pentos." Ciar looked over at Mesi, "Please go get Lord Illyrio." She said to the girl, keeping her voice low and calm.
Bowing slightly, "It's wonderful to see you awake, My Lady." With that she stood and made her way to her Lord.
Tilting her head, Rose wasn't familiar with that name, at least not anywhere in Alaska, but she watched as the young brunette left the room, she needed more answers. "Where the hell is that?" Her eyes not leaving the old woman's face.
Holding out her hand, "Please," indicating for her to take her hand. Smiling when the girl just stared at her, but slowly placed her hand in hers. "You were brought here, the Gods took you from your world, and gave you to ours."
Rosalind snatched her hand out of her hand, "You're fucking insane." Tossing the sheets off her legs, her eyes took in the dress that she was wearing, a deep green silk dress, "Who the fuck took off my clothes?" Not feeling safe, Rose jumped out of bed, and made her way towards the doors, if she could get her bearings, she could get home.
Stepping onto the balcony, she took in the estate before her, it was huge, fields a far as the eye could see, the forest behind it, but it was the mountains that held her attention, while she wasn't an expert on every mountain range in the world, she knew enough to know that these were not anything she's watched before on T.V.
Gasping, her eyes found the old woman leaning against the doors, but it was the man walking in the room with purpose a guard at his side, just by his movements, the man in robe was in charge. Moving towards him, she watched as the guard moved to stop her, grabbing his arm she used the momentum to flip him on his ass, reaching down she grabbed the sword that was at his side, bringing to his throat, "I swear I will kill this man, tell me where I am, who you are, and if I'm not having a mental break down, how I can get back to my home."
Illyrio stood fast; never in his life had he seen anyone move so fast or a woman able to flip a man almost twice her size on the ground. His eyes falling to the witch, "Have you not explained it to her?" he questioned.
Before Ciar could answer, Rose snapped at him, "Hey, don't talk to her like I'm not here," pulling the sword closer to the guy's neck, "I'm talking to you, not her. Answer the question." Her voice filled with desperation. "Please."
Looking at her face, while he had no doubts she would kill his guard without a second thought, though he could see that she was scared, and giving everything that the old woman said, she was in a new world, taken from her life, her family, if it was him, he'd be just as terrified.
Holding up his hands, "I'm sorry," looking at his guard, seeing his distress, "Please would you let my man go, he will do you no harm."
Rose looked down at the man in question, removing the sword from his neck, she took a few steps back, giving him room to get up, but she kept a hold of the sword, there was no way she would give up her only weapon.
Illyrio looked at the guard, "I got it from here. Please leave."
Jonah looked at the women, then back to his Lord, while he thought he was insane, but it wasn't his job to question. Giving a slight bow, "My Lord." With that he left the room, shutting the door, but standing on the opposite side, ready to defend if necessary.
"My name is Lord Illyrio Mopatis, Prince and Magister of the Free City of Pentos. You are in the land of Essos, which is across the Narrow Sea from Westros." Moving towards the chair near the fireplace, "Please sit."
Rosalind could only just nod, her grip on the sword never wavering, taking a few deep breaths, she joined him in the chair across, her eyes tracked the older woman who took a seat on the ottoman between them. "Please show me a map." Hoping that this was some elaborate trick, but the look of sadness in the woman told her that whatever this was, it was real.
Ciar stood and brought her the map of their world, pointing to the lands, "This is Essos, we are here, Pentos." Looking down, "This is the land of the Seven Kingdoms, Westeros. It is ruled by one king Robert Baratheon." Clearing her throat, Ciar explained each of the kingdoms and who was the ruling house, the girl seemed to absorb the information well.
Taking a seat, she watched as she took in the map, almost like she was trying to look for something familiar, "I apologize my Lady, but your world and ours is not connected through lands, or sea. I am sorry."
Rose could feel the tears sliding down her face, wiping them away, her eyes found the pair watching her, "I want to go home; however, you brought me here, send me back, now."
Illyrio looked towards the witch, then back to the girl, "I'm sorry, but we did not bring you here, the God's did." He could feel for her, truly he could. "Ciar, is there a way for you or the Red Priestess to send her home?" While he wanted the power that was his future, he couldn't in good conscience use this girl to get it.
Shaking her head, "No, only the Gods have such power."
Rosalind stood up, her body shaking with rage, "WHO ARE YOUR GODS TO MESS WITH MY FUCKING LIFE?" she screamed out. Dropping to her knees, the loud clang of metal hitting the floor echoed through the room. Wrapping her arms around herself, "What am I to do here, I have no family, friends, money."
Illyrio watched as her body shook with the tears that were leaving her body, carefully placing his body near hers, "You will stay here my dear, Ciar said you were brought to me for a reason, I am to take care of you, teach you the ways of our world, and perhaps in time, the Gods will send you home, but if not, you will have a good life with me."
Hearing his words, Rose looked up at the man, "And what do you want in return. Nothing is free in my world, so I don't expect it to be free here."
Chuckling a bit, Illyrio could see that the young woman was smart, that would serve her well, "For now, your loyalty, I will not force anything upon you, but you must never speak of your world outside of myself and Ciar, it would be far too dangerous for you." Knowing that if anyone else heard of this, they would come for her, and try to use her.
Wiping her face, Rosalind could only nod, "OK." Making a move to stand, she watched as the man in front of her stood as well. While her heart was still breaking, Rose knew she didn't have any other options at this point, so for now, this would have to work. Extending her hand, "Rosalind Klein."
Looking down at her hand, he just smiled, "Illyrio Mopatis, Magister of the Free City Pentos, welcome to my home."
Turning her attention towards the older woman, extending her hand.
Ciar looked at her, smiling, while she could see the fear, frustration, and longing her in eyes, but she held fast, "My name child, is Ciar. We will help guide you in this life."
Looking over her shoulder, indicating for Mesi to come in, "This is your handmaiden, Mesi, she is the only one outside of us that know who you really are, she is the only one in this house you trust, everyone else is only out for themselves."
Swallowing her fear down, Rose looked at the woman, "Rosalind, but I prefer Rose."
Mesi nodded at her, "It is good to see you up my Lady." Taking in her appearance, her hair was a fine golden color, coming down to just above her hips, she was short, but it was the curves that the dress that gave away that she was a grown woman, and the deep forest green dress complimented her fair skin.
Cringing at the Lady part, she turned her attention back to Illyrio, "So, what are you going to tell people about me?" Figured that they needed to get their stories down or they would screw up, and there was no way she was going to die in this world, she would find a way home if it was the last thing she did.
Placing a hand on her shoulder, "You will be my niece, no one will question it." Turning to Mesi, "Let's get her food, and bring her to the library, the sooner you learn, the safer you will be."
Rose just nodded, "Thank you." With that she followed the little brunette out the door, doing her best to keep from looking like the scared girl she felt inside. She just had to survive.
TIME JUMP 6 MONTHS
Sitting on edge of the property, Rose let the sun caress her skin, taking a moment to enjoy how it felt. While she made some peace with living here in Pentos, it didn't sooth the ache in her heart, she missed her dad dearly, she missed her stupid little mountain.
She did however, have a small reminder of her dad, Ser Jorah, a part of her cried when she looked at his face, he reminded her of her pop. While he wasn't the replacement that she wanted, or even needed, it was nice to have a reminder from time to time.
Looking down at the flowers that she was collecting, grateful that her book and a few of her items that she had in her bag made this mind-altering trip with her. Flipping through her book, Rose spent a great many hours' learning to combine the flowers, roots, and various other plant life into things that would help the people in her life.
Turning to the next page, Rose could hear a horse whining in the distance, looking up she could see a black stallion prancing for his herd. This wasn't the first time she interacted with the herd, there was something about them she loved, perhaps that the were wild and free. Taking a moment to enjoy how he was leading his herd towards the river. Pulling her knees up to her chin, she watched how they played and splashed around like they didn't have a care in the world.
Khal Drogo watched the wild herd splash in the river, while a part of him wanted to take the lead stallion as his own, and while he could take him, there was a beauty in taking the Khalasar across the grass sea and watching them run along with the horde.
Sitting in the tall grass he looked over at his blood riders, the 3 of them sitting around joking about the weakness of the men of the cities. His eyes finding their stallions eating the grass behind them.
Rubbing his beard, he couldn't help but agree with their assessment, weakness was a disease, relying too much on their technologies but not enough on their senses or skills on the field of battle. While there were times when his khalasar came upon a city, he enjoyed how they paid tributes in food, slaves, women, but sometimes he knew that they needed to test their might.
"After Dali's coming of age party, we should head west to Norvos." He said to his men.
Figuring that would be a good place to start looking for her, after a visit to Illyrio. While he wasn't Dothraki, he showed the proper respect, and even provided his khalasar with plenty of imprisoned men for his horde to practice their fighting skills on.
Qotho couldn't help but snort, "Perhaps we should keep the search in the horse herds. Perhaps she's a beautiful mare." He teased him.
Punching his arm, "Be mindful of what you say about your future Khaleesi!" While he wanted to joke about this, until he had her in his arms, there was no way he was going to sabotage his chances of finding her or make light of who she was.
Before Qotho could respond, they all turned towards the sounds of men talking common tongue. Moving to stand Drogo followed the sounds of the voices surprised to find a small woman standing between 3 grown men, it was her body language indicating that she was not pleased with their presence.
Haggo leaned over, "She could be a servant to Illyrio, should we get involved?" He asked his Khal.
Before Drogo made a decision he watched as she stood her ground, amazed at what he was seeing from the small woman with hair the color of the tall grass of the Dothraki sea.
Rose could feel someone coming up behind her, even though she wasn't home, she kept pushing herself the way her pop taught her. Moving to stand, she saw 3 men jump down off their horses, "Shit." She mumbled to herself.
Taking a moment to assess her situation, Rose could see that they were not friendly travelers, but probably the poachers that Illyrio has been trying to find for the last few weeks. Keeping her mouth shut, and her eyes open, she knew that they would underestimate her, and that would be their failure.
Looking at his men, "Look at what we have here, a beautiful maiden all alone." Spreading about around her, "What do you think, have a little fun?" he asked them.
Rose watched as they all nodded in unison, rolling her eyes, they didn't consider her a threat, but as she was learning about these lands, most women were to be seen, not heard, bred, and that's about it. Her eyes keeping track on all three, but her main focus was the mouthpiece, she knew that he was in charge of these fucking morons, and they wouldn't make a move unless given permission.
Alard watched her, not seeing fear in her eyes, "Are you not scared girl?" Almost insulted she wasn't begging.
Not wanting to engage with the man, Rose just stood there, keeping her body loose.
Bodo looked at Alard, "Perhaps she's stupid, and cannot speak common tongue." Moving a bit closer to her, "She's lovely, let us have a go too."
Laughing, Alard made his way towards her, lightly touching her cheek, "Are you stupid, girl?" Leaning down to smell her, "Doesn't matter, I will enjoy fucking you." Wrapping his hand around her shoulder, he was stunned by her smile.
Feeling him wrap his arms around her shoulder, Rose couldn't help but smile up at him, bringing her hand up, wrapping it around his wrist while bringing her foot into knee, snapping both. As he was brought down to his knees, she brought her elbow into his face breaking his nose, and effectively knocking him out.
Shoving him down, her eyes looked at the other two. "Come on boys."
Bodo shared a look with Godric, stunned that she was able to fight back. Pulling out their swords, "You're going to pay for that you little bitch."
Moving together they swung at her, only to find that she ducked and rolled away, watching as she grabbed Alard's blade.
Keeping the sword in front of her, Rose could see them calculating the best way for them to attack.
While she could take on a man, the longer she fought the more energy she would have to expend, and it was her speed was what she needed to rely on in this moment.
Almost running at the men she brought the sword down on the bigger of the two, needed to put him out of commission first. His brute strength was something that she needed to stay aware of.
Locking swords, she brought her knee to his dick bringing him down, as he fell Rose grabbed for his swords hilt so that she could bring hers across his throat.
The tearing of the flesh startled her from a moment, and so did her face getting coated in his blood.
Not wanting to appear weak, Rose barely flinched as it ran down her cheek.
Needing his body away from her, she kicked the man in his chest sending him falling to the ground. Letting her eyes fall towards small of the men, Rose couldn't help but feel a bit more confident in her survival.
Swinging the swords around that she held in both hands. "You're turn." Doing what she could to throw him off but keep herself from getting too cocky. Remembering that her dad said even the greatest fighter has a bad day.
Bodo was scared, women didn't fight, at least not this well. A sudden realization crept over his body, she could kill him.
Panicking a bit, all he could do was yell at her, "FUCKING CUNT!" he screamed out. Taking his sword he brought towards her, trying to survive.
Ducking under his wide swing, Rose brought the sword across his leg cutting his tendon, which brought him to the ground instantly, spinning around quickly, she drove the other sword through his back straight into his heart, "Perhaps you should have stuck with bear."
Letting go of the sword, she watched as his body slumped over. Hearing slight rustling of leaves, her eyes found the first man attempting to get to his feet.
Taking a moment to spin the sword in her hand, Rose held it to the man's throat, "Why should I spare your life?" she said, keeping her voice low.
Alard felt his piss running down his leg, "I am a great hunter, I can pledge myself to you." His eyes pleading for her to spare him, there was much he could do for her.
Smirking, "I don't need a hunter," driving the sword into his throat, she watched as he choked on the blood, "and I certainly don't need a man that would have raped me either." Twisting the blade Rose watched as he fell over. His loud thump was the only sound for a single moment.
Taking a second to come to grips with what just happened, she let out the breath she had been holding from the moment the dismounted their horses.
Rose looked around at the blood that was now soaking the field, a part of her was sad for the life taken, but she would never feel bad about protecting herself. In that raw moment, she finally understood what her pop said about life and death. It should never be easy to kill someone, but you shouldn't spend time crying over someone that wouldn't care if they killed you.
A feeling of being watched sent her into overdrive, worried that there were more of them out there. Rose took a second to pinpoint where it was coming from. Her eyes scanned the forest, not seeing anything move.
Turning slowly towards the other bank of the river, she found 4 Dothraki men watching her. "FUCK." Illyrio explained what and who they were, and while she would defend herself against them if they outwardly attacked her, avoiding any confrontation with them would be in her best interest.
Having the vengeance of a horde come to Pentos, well that wasn't something that she wanted to be responsible for.
Rose knew she needed to get out of there and fast, regretting not taking one of the horses from the stable. "Damn it." Making a decision, not caring what it looked like to them, now it was about getting back to Illyrio's estate in one piece.
Turning towards the black stallion, Rose let out a loud whistle, calling him to her. She could see that the Dothraki were rounding up their horses, and for a moment she was a bit worried, but the sound of hooves running towards her put her at ease.
Drogo watched as the lead stallion ran towards her, and how she grabbed ahold of his mane as he ran, but it was the sound of her whistle again that made him pause, as they rode across the river to catch her, he found the rest of the herd blocking their path, screaming and kicking at their horses keeping them from giving chase.
His eyes followed her as she rode the stallion, her body slung low against his back, but it was how she looked over her shoulder, smiling at the scene behind her, she was the Mother of Horses, she was to be his Khaleesi.
Frustrated that the horse herd kept him from finding her, "Back to Khalasar now!" He bellowed out.
Grabbing the reigns of his horse, he turned its head towards their encampment, he would send a blood rider in the morning to Illyrio's, and invite him to his sister's celebration, and do what he could to find that servant girl.
Riding towards the khalasar he felt a bit of relief, he found her, now he just needed to claim her as his before another Khal found her.
Jumping off his horse, he turned to his blood riders, "Speak of this to no one. Haggo, tomorrow head to Illyrio's invite him to the Dali's celebration, it will give me a chance to make an offer on his servant." Knowing that there wasn't any thing he wouldn't provide or offer to have her.
Making his way into his tent, Drogo laid down, his mind racing, wishing that he got a better look at her face before she took off, but it was only a matter of time before he found her again. Closing his eyes, he let his dreams lead him towards his future.
Rose clung to the stallion's mane, gently petting him as he ran towards the manor, feeling relief when she could see Illyrio and his wife sitting outside drinking their wine for the evening. Giving a slight tug on his mane, she felt him come to trot then halt.
Sliding off his back, Rose rubbed his neck and nose, "Thank you my friend." Smiling when she was rewarded with his head nudging her, "I will see you soon, and I promise to bring you treats." Placing a gentle kiss on his nose, she gently shoved his head towards the forest, her eyes watching him run to the edge.
Before he could melt into the shadows, the stallion reared up whining towards her before he disappeared.
Walking up to where Illyrio was, her eyes landing on his wife, giving her a slight bow, "Lady Laelia." She said, but her eyes settled on her husband. "A few miles towards the east side of the river, there are 3 bodies, poachers."
Looking up into her eyes, "Are you alright?" he asked her. While he learned that she was far more skilled than most of the warriors he's encountered, that didn't stop him from worrying about her.
Nodding, "Yes, I am fine. Thank you." Moving past him, "I am going to meet with Mesi, and finish up my Dothraki lessons." Giving them a slight bow, Rose moved towards the library, knowing that this was the last piece of a long puzzle that she has been slowly putting together.
Before opening the door to the library, Rose took a moment to think about the Dothraki men near the river, grateful that they weren't able to get a good look at her, and hopefully they would move on with their khalasar and forget all about her.