Pale Fire Ch. 4
Staring out into the night, Rose was still charged from her day with the Dothraki. Mindlessly brushing her hair as she watched the stars start to shine above her, for Rose this was the first day that her heart didn't break too much for missing her dad.
Of course, that stopped her in her tracks. Was she forgetting the man? Did she just give up hope of ever finding a way back home? Putting the brush on the table that was next to her, Rose found herself mentally beating herself up for being so selfish. If her dad was in this place, he wouldn't have given up only after 6 months, but her she was sitting in a palace being treated like a princess, almost forgetting who she was, and where she was from.
Feeling a few tears slide down her face, Rose bit her lip to keep from completely breaking down, but that wasn't working. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she leaned forward, taking in as many deep breaths as she could to keep herself from having a full-blown panic attack.
Rose was so wrapped up in her sadness and disappointment in her behavior, she didn't notice the deep red fog rolling over the balcony.
Looking down at the mortal woman, R'hllor could see that she was lost in her thoughts and had not noticed his arrival. "Be still child. You are destined for great things."
Her eyes snapping up to the sound of a deep voice. Taking in the man before her, he was tall, his beard was red, but so where his eyes, stumbling back, "Who the hell are you?" she yelped, frustrated that she didn't see or hear him approach.
Chuckling at the woman as she grabbed a vase to defend herself, waving his hand, he watched with amused eyes as the vase vanished from her hand. "I am R'hllor, God of Fire and Light, or so the Red Priests keep saying."
Looking down at her now empty hands, Rose almost fainted, only by her willpower kept her on her feet. Taking a second to let her brain catch up to what her eyes were seeing, she swallowed the spit that was filling her mouth.
Inhaling deeply, Rose gently pushed herself off the wall, but didn't move forward, "And what are you doing here?" she asked him.
Taking a seat in the second chair, he pointed for her to join him, smiling when she moved towards the chair. He could appreciate her natural caution, and it was nice for a mortal to look at him with a little interest and less worship. "I can appreciate your curious nature. It has been eons since I even spoke to a mortal in my true form."
Folding her hands on her lap, not knowing what she should say to a God. Blinking for a moment, "Um, you're welcome, I guess."
Chuckling at her, "I should be thanking you. In less than 6 months you have learned so much of your new lands." She exceeded his expectations, grateful that she wasn't a simple-minded mortal.
Rose tilted her head, and it dawned on her, he was the reason she was here. Slamming her hands on the table, she stood her body shaking with rage, "You're the one who brought me here, send me home, now!" she barked at him.
R'hllor understood her frustration, but it wasn't something that he could do again, and even if he could, he wouldn't, she was needed here. She was the one who would unit the Khalasars, her sons and daughters would keep peace over the lands for centuries.
Waving his hand, he watched as her body was forced back into the chair, "Even if I could, I wouldn't. You never felt at home in your world, your heart was always seeking an adventure, it's what called me to you. Toss in the fact that you understand the horses, well, I knew you would be perfect for the human Khal Drogo."
Feeling herself stuck to the chair, "Are you fucking kidding me? You want brought me here to play match maker? SERIOUSLY!?" Rose attempted to move, but to no avail. Her eyes finding his watching her, "What are you smiling about, put yourself in my position, having a powerful being manipulate your future for what, so I can be bred like some fucking animal." She hissed out.
R'hllor chuckled, she truly did have spirit. "He will love you like no other." He could see her shoulders relax a bit, "While you and the Khal would be a perfect match, I will not force that." Another wave of his hand, he produced two glasses full of wine, bringing his to his lips, "Drink my child."
Rose gently moved her arms finding them free; while she was tempted to chuck the wine glass at his head, she made a better choice to listen and drink. The slight burn of the drink warmed her soul, "Is this God wine?" she asked, her voice trying to keep it civil.
"Something like that yes. For me, it's just a good wine that fills my belly, for a mortal, it will enhance you're already impressive gifts." Smiling at her face. "Don't worry Rosalind, you're not going to grow wings and start flying about, but your ability to listen to the horses and other animals will grow. It is needed for your future, and the future of your children."
Looking into her now empty glass, "Oh, alright." Placing it gently down, what the hell do you say to a God that just gave you powers? Shaking her head clear of that problem, she focused on her first, being here.
"Let me understand this, you, God of Light and Fire decided that I Rosalind would be a perfect match for the Khal Drogo, so you, R'hllor used your freaky God powers to bring me here, so that I can speak to animals and I'm assuming so will my children, that about sum that up?" she asked him.
Tilting his head back, unable to stop the deep laugh that escaped him, "In very simple terms yes." Wiping his face, "It about bringing together a people to protect them, as well as the people you have come to love. Across the sea at Westeros is a King, whose son will soon take over the throne, and if he isn't stopped from running across this land, he will destroy it all."
His eyes looked straight into her soul, "This is my home, and I can't interfere with the affairs of men of my realm, but you my dear weren't, you were the loophole I used to save my home, my people."
Rose stared at him, feeling his pain, letting her head fall to the table, "Fine," feeling a tear on her face. Gently wiping it away, she lifted her head, "Under one condition, you use whatever God powers you can, and bring my father some peace, have him move on, plant a thought in his head to go back to the SEALS so that he isn't living on that mountain alone." Extending her hand, "Deal?"
Chuckling deeply, while he could force her to submit to his will, he figured that it was the least he could do for her. Taking her hand, "Deal." Not letting her go, "One more thing my dear, there is someone I want you to meet."
Rose tilted her head to ask who, but in a moment, she was surrounded by a cloud a red smoke and found herself standing in the center a field. Feeling a bit dizzy, she felt as though she was about to fall over, and if it wasn't for a pair of strong arms holding her up, she would have.
Letting her eyes focus on him, "A little warning, please." Shaking her head clear.
Chuckling a bit, "Next time." Stepping back, he brought his fingers to his lips letting out a loud whistle. Smiling when he heard the whining, "I'd take a step back."
Rose could hear the whining of a couple horses, but it wasn't coming from the forest, but from above her. Tracking the sound, she lifted her eyes to the sky, gasping what was she was seeing, "No fucking way." Naturally taking a step back, she watched as the pair landed, rearing up, whining with excitement, and how they leaned into R'hllor's hands.
Turning his eyes towards her, "Rosalind, this beautiful mare, is Helios named after the sun, and her mate and leader of the herds of the sky, Chiron." Extending his hand, smiling when the mortal woman placed it his hands, he gently pulled her towards the pair.
Gently lifting her hands to the pair, smiling when they both nudged her hands, "They are so beautiful." Closing her eyes, she let the moment wash over her. Turning her eyes to R'hllor, "As a child, I told my dad once that I would find a real Pegasus, and now I'm in the presence of two."
R'hllor couldn't help but smile, "Well, even before you were destined for my realm, you were seeking adventure."
Rubbing Chiron's neck, "They can not be killed by weapons of man, but they are shy by nature. Only those worthy could ever imagine riding one." Lightly touching her shoulder, "That my dear, is you, and eventually Khal Drogo, and your children."
Rose couldn't believe that she was standing here with the most beautiful animals that she had ever seen. Rubbing Helios, enjoying how her name reflected her coat, a golden blonde with a matching mane. Turning her attention to the black stallion, his eyes matching his coat, even his hooves were dark as night, gently touching his neck, "I will do what I can to always be worthy of your trust." She said to the pair.
She swore she could hear their response, her eyes wide with shock, looking up at R'hllor, "Is that what you meant, I could hear them?"
Smiling down, "That is correct my dear." Seeing the moon at it's Apex, it was time for him to go back, and for her to rest. Now that the future was more secured, he knew he could finally rest. "It's time to get you back," his eyes falling to the horses, "They will come to you when it's time." Extending his hand, "Ready my dear?"
Giving herself another moment with Helios and Chiron, "Yeah. I think so." Taking a step away from the pair, she watched as they turned and ran towards the cliffs, and just like that glided off into the night.
Looking up at R'hllor, seeing him smile down at her, "What?" she asked him.
Placing both hands on her shoulders, "I am sorry I took you without any warning. Thank you for agreeing to be with the Khal."
Nodding to him, "I do have a stupid question, though." Feeling a bit embarrassed about the question but figured he could owe her a solid. As she waited for him to let her ask, she found the red smoke billowing around them, closing her eyes, she centered herself knowing that it would make her dizzy.
R'hllor couldn't help but laugh, "Open your eyes child."
Slowly blinking, she found herself on the balcony, "Thanks." Looking around, she could him leaning on the edge. "So, about my question."
"You don't have to worry; Drogo will be accommodating to your more adventurous ways of breeding." He said to her, enjoying how her cheeks pinked up.
Rose could feel her cheeks were bright red, "Ummm. Thanks." Shaking her head, she found him watching her, "So, if I need to, I don't know, ask for guidance or something, do I pray, send up a flare?"
Chuckling, opening his palm, he waved his hand watching the necklace clasp around her neck, a small ruby, wrapped in gold, the sacred flaming heart etched around it. "If you are truly in danger, this will alert me, and I will come to you, but don't worry child, your future husband will do well in protecting you, and you him."
Letting out a yawn, R'hllor looked down at the mortal woman, "I must rest, be safe child."
Rose watched as he vanished into a cloud of deep red smoke, staring at the now very empty space, Rose just hoped that he kept his promise to her about her dad. Letting out a yawn, Rose turned towards her room, flopping down on the bed, her last real thought before the dreams took over, was figuring out how to navigate her marriage with to the Khal.
Drogo looked down at Illyrio, "I want to see her." He demanded, while he wasn't going to force this marriage, he wasn't going to be denied access to her.
Swallowing a little spit, "My Khal, I will have Mesi bring her, I think she is in the stables." Turning towards the girl, "Please find Lady Rosalind, quickly." Turning his attention back to the Khal, "Would you like to water your horse in our stable?" He asked the man.
Nodding, he grabbed the reigns of his mount, and followed Illyrio around the property, while he could never live in such a place, he could appreciate the beauty of his home.
Letting his eyes scan the lands, it didn't take more than a moment to find her, instead of a silk dress, she was wearing something made of a simple cloth, while he thought she was beautiful either way, it angered him to see her dressed down. "Why is she dressed so commonly?" He barked out.
Illyrio held in his chuckle, it was clear that the Khal was in no joking mood, "She hates her fancy dresses, only wears them if she knows someone is coming, this is how she is normally when she is on our property and riding."
Hearing this pleased Drogo, if he was able to secure her hand, while he would provide her everything he could, somethings though were not possible.
Rose could hear Mesi calling for her, looking over her shoulder as she finished brushing one of the horses, she could see the woman running like she was on fire. "What's the rush, are you OK?" she asked, her eyes looking behind to find who dared scared her friend.
Leaning over, Mesi took a deep breath, "Khal Drogo," inhaling slowly, "He is here, and wants to see you." She breathed out.
Taking a moment to process that information, Rose looked up, seeing him walk with Illyrio. "OK," taking a second to calm herself down, instinctively touching the necklace. Looking around the stable, she found her bow, Rose put it in the saddle of her horse, figuring that it would be something to do with the Khal.
Mesi watched as she took her horse out towards the Khal, walking with her, "Please my Lady, be careful. He is a very dangerous man. The reason why his hair is so long is because he never lost a battle, he's one of the finest killers in the land."
Touching her shoulder, "I know Mesi, I promise I will be careful, and if he get's too handsy; I'll remove his hand!" she teased.
Rolling her eyes, "Only you would dare challenge Drogo like that. Wild girl."
The pair came to stop in front of the Khal, and Mesi bowed, "My Khal, I have found Lady Rosalind, is there anything more you require of me?"
Shaking his head, his eyes finding Rosalind's watching him, "Ride with me." He said, hoping that she wouldn't refuse him.
Giving a slight bow, her eyes turning to Illyrio, "I'll be safe. Promise." Looking back at the Khal, "I would enjoy that my Khal." Grabbing ahold of her saddle, she quickly jumped on her horse, smiling when he did the same.
Drogo sat high in his saddle, with a look to Illryio he turned his attention to Rosalind, "Lead the way." His eyes watching her every move. Wondering what where she would lead him.
Smiling at him, she gently kicked the flanks of her horse, taking off, laughing as Eros picked up speed, looking over her shoulder she found the Khal keeping up with her.
Drogo watched as she navigated the forest with her mount, while Dothraki women are familiar with their horses, she seemed so relaxed on the beast. Keeping pace with her for a while, until she led him to a clearing, watching her she stopped her horse and slowly dismounted it.
"Are you done riding?" He asked her. Curious to what she was doing. Jumping down, he watched as she grabbed a bow and quiver.
Shaking her head, "No my Khal, figured we could hunt a pheasant, have a meal. Unless you would prefer to ride?" Her eyes hoping that he would say yes. If she was going to do this, she needed to know who he was outside of the khalasar.
"You hunt? Why would a lady need to do such things?" He asked her, a bit confused, he didn't think that women of the city did such things.
Handing him the second bow, she carefully walked through the forest, heading towards the tall grass, knowing that's where they loved to hide. "I don't need to it, but I enjoy it. It was something my father shared with me, he wanted a son, but my mother died before she could have another."
Rose looked up into his dark eyes, "My father then taught me everything he would have his son, so, unlike the rest of the ladies of Essos, I'm just a bit different." Hoping that would suffice for now.
"Is your father still alive?" Curious about the man, and if he would approve of his daughter marrying a Dothraki not a city prince.
Stopping in her tracks, Rose took a deep breath, while she wanted to scream yes, it would be too confusing to him or anyone else to why she wasn't living with her father. "No. He died about 6 months ago, that's why I came to live with my uncle."
Feeling a tear, she went to wipe it away, but found his big hand doing so. She wanted to say thank you to the man, but that word was not in the Dothraki language. Giving him a slight nod, she turned towards the field.
Keeping in step, he could hear the birds calling to each other, touching her shoulder, he pointed towards the scrub brush, "There." Taking a moment to think how to get them out of the brush, but to his surprise he found her lifting a rock.
Keeping her voice low, "I'm going to toss this. Ready?" She asked him. Smiling when he nodded towards her.
Standing up, Rose chucked it straight to the brush, and half a dozen birds flew out, quickly grabbing an arrow, she tracked one and let the arrow fly, smirking as it brought the bird down.
Drogo hit his bird, seeing that their birds landed in the same area, "I'll retrieve, can you build a fire?" Smirking when she looked at him but nodded. Lightly touching her face, he moved quickly to get the birds.
Standing over them, he quickly gutted them, and plucked their feathers, while he was certain that she could do all of this, it was his job to provide for her, or it would be if he could convince her to marry him. Removing their heads, he found his way back to her, smiling when she had a small fire going.
Taking the birds from his hands, Rose kept them on the arrows, and sticking them into the ground, letting the cook. Her eyes watched the horizon, and her back against the rock outcrop, while she felt safe in the woods, she didn't have a rifle any longer, so her eyes and ears needed to stay open at all times.
Looking at the Khal, he seemed relaxed, which was a stark contrast to the intensity from the day previous. "I didn't think a Khal rode without his blood riders." Naturally curious about the culture she was going to find herself married into.
Tossing a stick into the fire, "Normally not, but I wanted to be alone with you. Hard to do that with 3 men around." Leaning against the rocks, Drogo stretched out his long legs, smirking at her face when she looked at their size difference.
Rose knew in this world, he would be considered a giant, hell even in hers, he would be above average, wondering how physically this would work, but for now, she had a limited time to make her choice if she was going to go through with this or not, "Why would you want me alone? That could be dangerous for me." She said, smiling at him as she did so.
Drogo couldn't help but chuckle, if she was any other person, perhaps that would be true, but he knew from the moment he saw her, he would do what he could to keep her safe. "No, you are mine to protect." He said to her, his voice leaving no room for arguments.
Taking one of the birds, she handed it to him, taking a small bite before she spoke, "Is that so? Here I thought I could choose my life." Turning her eyes towards the Khal, "Have you chosen for me, My Khal?"
Swallowing a bit of meat, he stuck the arrow back into the ground, his eyes locking on hers, wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, "Fate has chosen for us. I saw you that day, at the river, and I knew, you were to be my wife, my Khaleesi. Do you not feel it?" Taking her hand, placing it over his heart.
Placing down the bird, she kept her eyes locked on his, "I can feel something," taking a moment, she blinked at him, "A request then, I will marry you, but I am not a possession, I am a person, please do not treat me as an object to put on display as you see fit." Holding her breath, she wondered what he would say to her.
Drogo could feel this hear beat faster, she would be his. Bringing his head towards hers, letting it rest, "I will never treat you as though you are an object, you are the Khaleesi of my khalasar. Your strength has already been seen by the horde." Knowing that it was almost time to move on, "The day after tomorrow, we must wed, it is time for the khalasar to get moving, and head to Vaes Dothark."
Swallowing Rose only nodded, "Why is the khalasar heading to the Holy City?"
Pulling her into his lap, enjoying how small she was against his chest, but fit so perfectly, "After we are married, the Dosh Khaleen must see the knew Khaleesi, as is tradition."
Touching her hair, enjoying how soft it was against his fingers, but feeling the braids, he couldn't help but chuckle and look down, "You are worthy of your braids. Why did you not wear them the day before?"
Leaning back so she could look him in the eyes, giving him a small smile, "I didn't want to offend you or your people. I know that Dothraki have a careful relationship with the cities of Essos."
Allowing his head to rest on hers, grateful that she was mindful of their traditions, made this so much easier, unable to imagine what it would be like to marry a city dweller with no idea how to navigate life through the Dothraki.
Reaching down carefully he grabbed her food, as well as his, and they sat together in a quiet silence, enjoying the peace and tranquility of being in her presence.
Rose watched as the sun moved across the sky, making an educated guess they were out here for several hours, and she knew Illyrio would be worried. Carefully standing, chuckling at his frustrated grunt, "I must be getting back, we need to tell my uncle that I am to be married, and you have a khalasar to attend to."
Jumping up quickly, he pulled her to his body, "Fine, but soon, you will be mine. No one will tell me when my time with you is done." Enjoying how her eyes lit up at his words.
She could feel her heart beating out of her chest, "I guess once we are married, no one would dare say anything to you about it." Taking a step back, she turned towards the water where the horses were resting, whistling loudly, she watched as they both came running towards him.
Drogo was stunned, he knew that she had a gift over the horses she interacted with, but she was able to call his. Keeping his hand on her shoulder, "You must teach me how to do this." Hoping it was something that she could bestow upon him.
Holding her hands up as they trotted towards them, smiling as they slowed down, her eyes looked up to the Khal, "I will, under one condition." Chuckling at his face.
Keeping his hand wrapped around the back of her neck, "What would that be, my moon of my life."
Gasping at the term, Dothraki were not known for being sentimental people, knowing that this was a big deal, Rose could only lean into his hand, "Your sister mentioned the other day, that you were to select her husband to be."
Drogo could only nod, "I am. What are you saying?" Not understanding what she was saying.
Touching his arm, "That she had expressed an interest in one of your blood riders, Haggo. I'm not asking for you to agree to it, but a real consideration." While she knew that there were probably a million things that he as the Khal would have to consider for such an arrangement, it didn't hurt to ask him.
Rubbing her shoulders, while it wasn't traditional for a blood rider to marry a sister or daughter of a Khal, but Haggo was a good man, rubbing his thumb across her face, "I will consider her request. After we are married."
"Sounds fair. I guess we should be getting back. You have a wedding to plan." She teased. Gasping as he lifted her off the ground and placed her on top of her horse. Swinging her leg over to the other side, Rose watched as he mounted his.
Drogo motioned for his horse to move, his eyes checking that she was keeping up with him, but as he saw her ride, he knew that she would never falter.
Illyrio sat staring in the direction that Drogo took Rosalind, feeling more anxious with every passing hour.
Laelia watched her husband bounce his leg, "My dear, she is fine, you know she is more than capable of protecting herself, and she isn't stupid enough to outwardly offend the Khal." Picking up her wine.
Looking over at his wife, "I know," looking up as her the sound of hooves running, "I just don't know how he's going to take her rejecting his marriage proposal. You understand that it goes against their traditions to even ask a woman, and the first time it's done, it happens to be the most powerful Khal of all of Essos. This could be disastrous."
Rolling her eyes, as he stood, moving to stand next to him, her eyes looking in the same direction as him, seeing the Khal and Rosalind riding towards them, both looking very pleased with themselves. "Whatever transpired between them, seems to be fine, he doesn't look murderous."
Illyrio walked down the steps, "Respect to one that is respectful, my Khal." His eyes looking over at Rose, hoping for an explanation.
Drogo watched Illyrio, he could see the nerves of the man, chuckling a bit to himself. Looking over to his future wife, giving her a smirk. Turning back to Illyrio, "She is mine, and agreed to become my wife. We will marry the day after tomorrow. I will see you all then."
Looking over at his Khaleesi, "Moon of my life." Letting his eyes look at her one more time, he turned his horse, and rode towards his khalasar, and get with his sister to get everything ready for his bride.
Rose watched him as he rode off, slipping off her horse, she handed the reigns to one of the servants. Turning around she found Illryio watching her, "No, he didn't threaten me or Pentos. I just feel this is a right move for me." Giving him a hug, "I promise, everything is telling me that I need to do this."
Rubbing her back, he took a step back, "As long as you're sure my dear. Life on the plains with the Dothraki will be hard." But he knew her well enough to know that she wasn't going to be forced into anything.
Giving Lady Laelia a gentle nod, Rose touched his shoulder and made her way towards her room, while she was still nervous about the whole thing, she trusted herself and more so that R'hllor wouldn't have asked her to trust him if there wasn't something more at stake than her comfort.
Ciar sat in the temple, tossing some herbs into the fire, smiling at the signs. Looking over at her apprentice, "What do you see?" she asked her.
Amet looked at smoke, it was a deep green, "Khal Drogo finally selected a bride, and she is to bring unity to the tribes." Looking over at her mentor.
Nodding, "And what else?" Throwing some bones into the mix, hoping that her skills have progressed enough to read them.
Staring at the cracks in the bones, Amet gasped, "R'hllor personally visited her." Placing her hand over mouth, "She has been chosen to be his vengeance against those who would violate his realm. And their children will continue to protect this realm for generations."
Ciar couldn't help but smile, "You've done well. Go now, get some rest." Smiling as she bowed and took off.
Moving to stand, Ciar stepped out onto the balcony, her eyes turning towards the sky, sending a pray to the God of light and Fire. "Lead us from the darkness, O my Lord. Fill our hearts with fire, so we may walk your shining path. R'hllor, you are the light in our eyes, the fire in our hearts, the heat in our loins. Yours is the sun that warms our days, yours the stars that guard us in the dark of night."
Closing her eyes as she felt the power flow through her, grateful that she was alive to see this greatness happen in her lifetime. The moment her eyes fell on Rosalind, she knew that she was destined for great things.