Pale Fire Ch. 3
Sounds of chirping danced in her ear; giving herself a moment to wake up, Rose enjoyed stretching her arms above her head. Taking another second to let her brain start firing, she slowly opened her eyes, blinking the last of her sleep away.
Her eyes focusing on the marble ceiling, it was the first thing she saw when she first opened her eyes when she came to this place, and it was the first thing she saw every morning since. While it was stunning to look at, it's opulence just wasn't her, she missed the natural wood from her home.
Forcing herself not to let her memory of her past slam into her first thing in the morning, Rose forced herself to sit up, and head towards the bathroom. Looking towards the chamber pot, she couldn't help but frown a bit, while it wasn't the worst place she'd gone to piss or shit, it still felt weird when one of the other servants would come in and handle it's cleaning for her.
However, it was her promise to Illyrio that kept her from throwing a fit about it the first week she was here. That she would act as a Lady, she was the niece of a Magister, if any servant of his house or another would see her performing simple tasks, it would raise too many questions about her status as a Lady.
Her thoughts of that conversation were stopped by the sound of Mesi calling out for her.
"My Lady, we need to get you bathed and dressed for the day, it seems as through Lord Illyrio is bringing you to a Dothraki celebration."
Rose could hear the excitement in her voice, gently wiping herself clean, Rose turned to washing pot and cleaned her hands, in this moment she truly missed indoor plumbing and anti-bacterial soap.
Leaning out the door, she could see that Mesi was patiently waiting for her to strip and step into the heated water. Carefully bringing her sleeping gown above her head, Rose didn't even test the water, just slid on in, enjoying how the heat soaked down to her bones.
Letting herself slip under the water, she couldn't help but feel a bit of peace, while she still thought it strange to let someone bathe her, shave her, and essentially dress her, it was what was expected of her.
However, she did enjoy it when Mesi took the time to braid her hair, putting in various curls, and flowers, never in her life had her hair ever looked so regal.
Popping up, she found the amusement of her friend's eyes, "What?" she asked.
Mesi couldn't help but laugh, "I think you my Lady, are a still a bit wild at heart, but I don't see that as a bad thing." Reaching over to grab the soaps and oils for her hair, she began the process of washing her hair.
Leaning her head back, "I think I will always be a free spirit; it was how my dad raised me, perhaps if my mom didn't die when I was a little kid, I could have been a bit more reserved, but the stories he told me about her, I doubt it." Moaning a bit as she scrubbed her scalp.
Chuckling as she washed her Lady's hair, "Your family sounds wonderful." While always curious about them and her world, Mesi could see in her eyes that she missed her life dearly, and she knew talking about it would hurt her.
So refocusing her mind to something more productive, she knew that the Dothraki were a powerful people, and most did not bother with common tongue. "Do you remember how to greet the Khal?"
Rose turned her head slightly seeing the mischief roll off Mesi, rolling her eyes, "Respect to one that is respectful, Great King." Between English or common tongue as it was referred to here, Valyrian, and the Dothraki language, Rose found her brain pleasantly full of all the information that was stored in her brain.
"Who do the Dothraki worship?" She asked, knowing that it was important to understand their culture, Illyrio would be taking her to see the fiercest of all the Khal's and he would not hesitate to kill her if she disrespected his Khalasar even by accident.
Smiling up as she dumped water to clean off the soaps, "The Great Stallion." As a horse lover, she couldn't find anything wrong with a religion that respected them.
Nodding, "Good." Indicating for her to step out, "It's time to dry off. How would you like your hair?" she asked, while it wasn't normal for a Lady to care about her style, she found that Lady Rosalind liked adding her input.
Taking a moment to think about it, while she enjoyed having braids in her hair, she knew that for the Dothraki, braiding one's hair is sign of your victories in battle, it might be an insult. "No braids, I don't want to offend the Khal, but something that keeps it out of my face. Please and thank you."
"Of course, my Lady." Grabbing the brush, she set to work drying her hair, and putting in a style that would reflect her beauty but not offend the Khal as she requested. Smirking at the thought, she was sure like the rest of Pentos Lords that have come across Lady Rosalind, the Khal would make an offer for her as well.
Keeping her eyes closed, she couldn't help but enjoy the moment, and if she was being honest with herself, she was looking forward to seeing the Khalasar, wondering how much of the fear that the people spoke of Khal Drogo was warrantied or just ignorance against their culture.
Drogo looked around this horde, pleased to see that for one as young as he, had the largest khalasar in the land. Leaning back in his seat, his eyes found his sister sitting with her slaves, while she spoke to the other women in his khalasar, she never really liked them, but given the fact that they were always trying to get to him, convince him that they would be the next Khaleesi, he could understand.
Rubbing his beard, he hoped soon that Illyrio would arrive, the sooner he was able to secure his servant girl as his wife, the less he would be bothered by the women. While he enjoyed mounting them, they weren't more than a fuck.
Hearing Qotho, he turned towards his blood rider, "What is it?" He asked, drinking his fermented mare's milk.
Sitting next to his Khal, "Illyrio has entered the Khalasar, and he has the blonde girl with him, she is not a servant, but his niece." Knowing that would complicate things for his Khal, the tributes that they got from Pentos provided them through the harshest of winters, doing anything to threaten that would put their khalasar at great risk, weakening them.
"Fuck." Standing he tossed his drinking horn down, if this was anyone else, he would threaten to release the horde for her, but Pentos always provided what was needed for the winters, and until he lost a battle, Pentos was his and he would defend it against any khalasar that attempted to raid it.
Sitting back down, if he tried to force her into submission it would only bring devastation to the khalasar. His mind wondering how he could convince Illyrio to allow him to marry her, or worse if she already promised to another.
Shaking his head clear of such thoughts, he could hear his sister laughing with her slave, it brought a smile to his face seeing her laugh. Looking over at Qotho, "She is not to be touched while she is here."
While she was relatively safe because of his understanding with Illyrio, it wasn't a guarantee.
"I swear on my life, I will watch over her while she is here, my Khal." While he wasn't sure how this was going to work out for Drogo, he would do what he could to give his Khal the best chance of securing his Khaleesi.
Giving a nod in his direction, Drogo's attention was pulled by the sounds of horses whining. Turning his attention to the horses entering his khalasar. His eyes falling immediately onto her, sitting proudly on top of dark brown horse with a mane the same color as her. Licking his lips, waited for them to dismount and make their way towards him.
Illyrio carefully dismounted his horse, in his younger years he would have jumped, it was probably still in him to do it, but one this was for certain, he wouldn't do anything on or near a horse in front of the Dothraki to embarrass himself. Feeling like he had his footing, he turned to see Rosalind sliding off her mount, extending his hand, "My Lady."
Rose could only smile when he pulled her closer to him, "Thank you." She said to him. Her eyes taking in the khalasar, it was huge, larger than anything thing she could have imagined, one man was in charge of all of these people?
Keeping in step with Illyrio, she could feel the people watching her, while a bit unnerving, she made a guess to the fact that this was the first time Illyrio was bringing a woman with him, while his wife was invited, she never wanted to be that close to the horde, fearing that if they turned on her husband, they would rape her.
While it wasn't something that was far from her mind, Rose was naturally curious by nature, and figured that Illyrio had a decent enough relationship with the Khal like his father had with the one previous, so she was 80% sure that she was safeish.
Waking next to Illryio, Rose finally focused on the people in front of her, sitting in a make shift chair, was one of the largest men she'd ever seen, his chest was covered with a blue paint in streaks down his shoulders, and if she made a guess if he was standing he would tower over men, probably about 6'5, but it was his eyes, while with a darker makeup on them, she could see the intensity in them, and it was directed towards her.
Swallowing a bit of spit, Rose kept her head up, while a little intimidated she wasn't going to show weakness, as a woman in a foreign world, she was already at a disadvantage.
Illyrio bowed his head, "Respect for one who is respectful, Great King." Turning slightly towards Rosalind," My niece, Rosalind."
Rose bowed slightly, "I am honored to meet you, Great king." Hoping that her voice didn't wavier.
Drogo was surprised, she spoke their language. Letting his eyes linger on her for another moment, he had to resist the urge to pick her up and toss her over his shoulder. Everything that he could see was beautiful, her body, her face, but it was her eyes, they were the color of the sky before the sun settled under the horizon.
It pleased him greatly to know that she was beautiful. As he watched her, he could see that she was a bit nervous in his presence, over time she would be at peace near him. Turning his attention back to Illyrio, "Old friend, drink, eat, and enjoy." Extending his hand, "Irri, tend to Rosalind, bring her to my sister."
Rose watched as a slave girl bowed to the Khal, she was short like her. Smiling when she bowed to her pointing her towards a small group of Dothraki women. As she turned to follow, Rose spared a look over her shoulder, finding the Khal watching her.
Dali watched her brother, never before had she seen him so intently watch a woman before, he wanted this one. And based on how he positioned Illyrio near him, he was going to make an offer for her. Rolling her eyes, he always joked about the weakness of the city dwellers, and yet here he was going to make one a Khaleesi.
As she watched the woman approach, Dali watched her move, while she was dressed in fine clothes of the city, she didn't move in them like the rest of those women did. Perhaps she was different, for her brother she wouldn't scare the girl, but if for a moment she felt that she was weak, she would get a true Dothraki welcome.
Dali stood, opening her arms, "I am Dali, daughter of Bharbo, sister to Khal Drogo. Welcome to my coming-of-age ceremony."
Rose bowed slightly, "I am Rosalind, niece of Prince Magister Illyrio Mopatis. I am honored to be included on your day."
Dali was surprised, she spoke Dothraki, "Come sit, and talk. Let us know the other." Indicating to the spot near her.
Smiling Rose took her seat, and the horn that was being passed towards her, nodding to the servant, "And what is this?" Smelling it, it wasn't wine.
"Fermented mares' milk." She said to her. Chuckling at her face, tipping back her drink, wondering if she was going to politely pass on the drink. This would tell her all she needed to know about the woman in front of her.
Unable to stop the scrunching of her nose, Rose took a second to get her head on, but she could see in the Khal's sisters' eyes, if she didn't drink it or got sick, she would most definitely make fun of her.
Bringing the horn to her lips, she let it slide down her throat, while a bit bitter, it wasn't horrible. Tilting the whole thing back, she wiped her face as she finished. "Interesting, another?"
Dali couldn't help but laugh, "Brave. I like that. Another!"
Rose couldn't help but laugh at that, in her time in Pentos, it was clear, she could always act like a lady, but she was wilder at heart, perhaps she could make a real friend in Dali. "Forgive my ignorance, what happens after your coming-of age ceremony?" Lifting her horn to the servant to fill her drink.
Letting out a sigh, it was a fair question. "I am to marry. Someone of my brother's choosing." Letting her eyes fall on the man, she loved him, he was a great Khal, and she knew that he wouldn't just let anyone marry her, he would have to be worthy of her. "I hope he lets me marry Haggo, he is strong, brave, and quite handsome. And what of you? Are you married, or promised?"
Blinking for a moment, Rose had to carefully answer this, in this world women were used as bargaining chips, but she trusted Ciar and Illyrio when they promised it wouldn't be forced. Shaking her head, "Neither. My uncle promised me that he would let me choose my husband. I know its not normal, but he said I'm a wild soul, a normal man could not tame me." Hoping for now that would suffice.
Dali was stunned, "Really? How lucky for you! The Dosh Khaleen told my brother the same about me. I needed a strong man that would let me be free." She actually found something in common with a city dweller, and what made this more special was the fact while she knew her brother wanted her, she wasn't staring at him like the others.
Rose raised her horn, "To being wild and free!" Smiling when Dali raised hers.
"To being wild and free!" She said, clinging her horns with Rosalind.
Drogo watched as his sister laughed with her, never in his life had anyone outside her slave make her laugh so, it just proved that Rosalind was to be his Khaleesi. Turning his attention back to Illyrio, "Is she promised to another?" Wanting to know.
Shaking his head, "No, Khal Drogo, she is not. For she is a free woman, and I am allowing her to choose her life." Fear crept through his body, if Drogo wanted her, he would take her if that's what it took, and while he trusted the man enough not to release the horde on Pentos, denying him a woman he wanted could bring war to their doors.
So there was nothing he could offer him in exchange for her hand. Taking a moment to keep his temper in check, he knew that there had to be away, "I want her, would you allow me to at least approach her with my offer?" Drogo wasn't accustomed to asking anything, but this was an exception.
Nodding, "Of course, my Khal. She is a wild spirit, I'm not sure how she would be as a wife." While he was sure that in the right circumstances Rose would be a great wife, in his time with her, he learned quickly that while she played the part well, her heart would never be tamed by anyone.
Laughing, "I like her spirit, she belongs to a Khalasar, my khalasar as my Khaleesi." Drinking his mare's milk, he kept his eyes on the woman who was now dancing with his sister, never before had he witnessed a city woman attempt to dance with his people.
Illyrio could only nod, taking a drink, hoping that if when the Khal approached her, Rose diplomatic about her rejection. Taking a look over her, seeing that she was genuinely laughing, and of course finding a horse to pet, and by the looks of it, the animal belonged to the Khal's sister.
Smiling at her antics, he turned his attention back to the Khal, "My suggestion, do not try to own her, she'll refuse you outright, I know it goes against your traditions, but perhaps try to know her first. She may surprise you."
Drogo nodded, while he wasn't a gentle man, nor would he change himself for any woman, but it couldn't hurt to try something new. "Perhaps I will." His eyes finding her talking with his sister, whatever he needed to do, he just might do for her.
As the day passed, Rose couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun, while it was a bit different, it was something that she hoped to do again. Looking over at Dali, she looked bored, "Are you not having fun?"
"I am, but a Dothraki celebration without at least one kill is considered boring." A little mayhem would be good right about now.
Nodding. "I see? Would that make you happy?" Figuring while she didn't have money to buy her anything, she could at least give her a little entertainment.
Smirking, "It wouldn't just please me, but the whole khalasar, and of course my brother." Her eyes finding his watching, rolling her eyes at him, if he thought staring at her would work, he was far more stupid than she thought.
Knowing that Illyrio brought almost two dozen men that have been judged by the leaders of Pentos to die. Standing up, Rose extended her hand, "Well, then I will figure something out. But perhaps you sit near your brother, for a better view."
Dali looked up at Rosalind, moving to stand, "Now this I will have to see." Taking her hand, she let Rosalind lead her towards her brother. Enjoying the look of surprise on his face as they approached. Once she was in front of him, she took her hand back, and sat down on the floor near him, while he didn't care if she was seated next to him, she knew that his eyes were set on Rosalind, and that would eventually be her spot.
Drogo watched as Rosalind leaned towards Illyrio whispering something in his ear, he was more than curious to see what she was saying, but it was too quiet for even Irri to understand.
Illyrio looked into her eyes, "Are you sure?" knowing that this would seal her fate with Drogo, carefully moving his eyes towards the Khal, "He wants to marry you, this will only make him desire you more." Figuring he'd let her choose someone else in her place.
Rose just blinked, "Really? I guess that's a conversation for another time, but this isn't about that, it's about her." While she would ask, she wouldn't throw a fit if he told her to let Jonah do it, or Ser Jorah.
Waving his hand, "If this is your wish. Granted." Turning to Jonah, "Please get two of the prisoners." Moving to stand, he watched as she moved toward the center of the makeshift circle.
Turning his attention to the Khal and his sister, "My Khal and his honored sister, my niece offers you blood, and death for your celebration. Two men will be brought to this circle, and they will fight for their lives, if they happen to win, I will grant them their freedom, but if they lose," his eyes looking at Dali, "Their lives are in your hands."
Drogo saw two being dragged to the ring, it took about a second for him to realize that she was going to stand and fight them. Leaning forward, excited to see her skills up close, "Let the blood flow in honor of the Great Stallion."
Standing in the circle, she watched as the Dothraki tightened around, ready to see a blood bath, and mayhem. A year ago, she couldn't have even imagined this moment, but now, a part of her craved it more than anything. Her eyes looked to Dali, then to the Khal, "I offer you, their blood." Bowing towards them.
Turning her attention to the men struggled to get free, shaking her head at the waste of energy, "Uncle, perhaps we go without weapons?" She said to him.
Chuckling at her, "As you wish my dear." Looking at the men, "You have been sentenced to death for your crimes against the people of Pentos, but I offer you a chance for your freedom. Fight for your life, if you kill her, you walk away free men." Chuckling when they both perked up at that, "But lose, your life is in the hands of the Dothraki." Pointing towards the Khal.
Neither of the men waited, the smaller of the two attacked first, Rose ducked and brought her fist up towards his chin, sending him flying back. Hearing the other come up behind her, turning quickly she put her foot into his stomach sending him in the other direction.
Taking a few steps back to keep them both in her eyeline, Rose took a deep breath and watched them both stand, her eyes taking in their movements, the smaller one was faster, and had almost 0 skill, the bigger one, held himself of someone that could fight, she needed to take the smaller one out quickly, he would be a distraction against the bigger one.
Rose watched as the bigger one approached, and like she guessed the smaller one was waiting for her to be occupied with him before he moved again.
Ducking under his punches, she hit him hard in the throat, bringing her fist across his face, while it wasn't enough to knock him out, it was enough to disorient him for a moment while she focused on the smaller of the two.
Hearing him yell, Rose turned as his fist came at her face, moving to the side she was able to grip his wrist and use his momentum to flip him on his ass, swiftly kicking the bigger one in the face to keep him down, Rose put the smaller man into a head lock, her eyes locked to Dali, "His life?" She asked her.
Smiling at the scene before her," Death!" She yelled out, joy filling her body.
Nodding, Rose placed her hand under his chin and jerked, the loud snap of his neck silenced the crowd for only a moment. Tossing his body to the ground she stood, her eyes finding the bigger one staring down at her, she could see the fear in his eyes, the way he was looking around trying to find a way out.
"No where to run my friend. Just us."
Swallowing hard, Dar knew that he didn't have much of a choice, but perhaps she was too confident and would make a mistake. "FUCKING WHORE!" he yelled out.
Rolling her eyes, why did men always say that like it was this devastating thing? Sparing a look to Illyrio, she could see that he was proud of her, and a quick glance to Dali, well she looked like a cat that caught a mouse.
Instead of engaging, Rose kept her focus on the man in front of her, her eyes watching how he moved and bounced around, she could see that his left side was bruised, a few good hits would incapacitate him, but from what she remembered when he first was tried, the man raped and murdered a little girl.
Dar moved towards her, hoping to catch her off guard, but as he swung, he watched as she ducked under his arm. She moved so fast that he didn't see her sweep his leg out from underneath him.
Rolling to her feet, Rose didn't want him to get too much momentum back, bringing her foot down hard on his knee, she heard the bone crack, smiling at the sound. "Only a coward would rape a child." She hissed out.
Moving to his on good knee, his eyes looked into hers, there was no way he was going to win, but if his crime upset her, perhaps if he disgusted her enough it would throw her off. "But they are so ripe, squeaking as you fuck them, like little toys." Smirking up at her.
Resisting the urge to throw up, Rose kept herself still for a moment, it didn't take a genius to figure out what he was trying to do. Rolling her eyes at him, she waited for him to stand, pleased to see that he made a move to his feet.
Watching him get to his feet, Rose could see him make a step towards her, moving to the side to catch his wrist, she kicked out his good knee, breaking it like the other.
Using a little force, she flipped herself over his wrist causing the arm to break, as her feet hit the ground Rose twisted the broken arm harder, causing the bone to rip through the flesh, and the sounds of his screams echoed into the night.
With her other hand Rose took ahold of his wrist, using both hands she shoved his arm and bone into his neck. Pushing a little harder to make sure that it severed his carotid artery. "I hope this hurts, you fucking piece of shit."
Shoving it in a bit more, Rose watched as he choked on his own blood, dropping her hands she took several steps back letting nature take its course. Turning towards the Khal and Dali, she gave a slight bow, "My Khal, Dali, please accept my offerings of blood."
Dali never seen anything like that, a woman, who fought better than a man. Looking up at her brother, she could see his desire all over his face. Nudging him, it was he who had to speak.
Drogo could feel his cock weeping, wanting nothing more than to bury himself in her. Feeling his sister nudge him, he remembered he needed to stand and speak. Clearing his head, he moved to stand, moving towards her, he watched as her eyes followed him, when he was upon her, he was surprised with how small she was compared to him.
Resisting the urge to touch her face, he turned towards the khalasar, "The Great Stallion rejoices at the offerings from the small warrior, Rosalind."
The resounding sounds of the khalasar cheering and screaming her name moved her ways that she didn't even expect. But it was what happened next that surprised her more than anything. And what was more surprising was how she didn't know how to feel about it.
Drogo turned back towards her, seeing her face this close, almost broke him, but he understood now, she was more than just beauty, she was also strength. Pulling her towards his body, he lifted her up onto his shoulders, wanting to have his khalasar see her for what she was, a strong a powerful woman, and soon their Khaleesi. All he had to do was convince her of that.