I Don't Own Game of Thrones, the Song of Ice and Fire or any of their Characters
Daenerys
"Is that a sword?" Daenerys asked suddenly. She'd been relaxing in the safety of Jorah's arms when she spoke. She'd noticed the weapon perched on the wall above couch.
He kept his arms around her as his eyes followed hers to where they were looking. A thoughtful look on his face. "Its name is Longclaw."
She blinked. "Longclaw?" It had a name?
He hummed, "Yes, it's been in my family for centuries. My father gave it to me and his father before him. Passed down from father to son for generations." He turned back to her. "Would you like to see it?"
She looked down, suddenly feeling very shy. "I would very much."
He kissed the crown of her head before releasing her and walking towards the ancient weapon. He took it down with ease, holding the sheath tightly in his hands. Holding it flat in both palms, he holds out for her.
Fascinated, she leaned in to get a closer look. What really drew her attention was the carving located at the end of the handle. "Is that a bear?"
"It is," He mused. "Carved by hand. My family crest is a bear."
"Really? Mine is a three-headed dragon." She confessed.
He smiled, "I know."
She snorted, "Of course you do."
"Forgive me," He said gently, "Would you like to see the rest?"
Her brows furrowed together. "The rest?"
"Stand back." He commanded gently.
Confused, she did as he asked and almost jumped out of her skin when he unsheathed the sword. The sound of steel being released from its confines was like a forgotten song. When it was completely free, Jorah held it up high. What was left of the sunset reflected off the metal and for a moment Daenerys saw him dressed in armor. The vision was there and gone so fast that she had to rub her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things. Back in the present, she gawked at what had to be the most beautiful sword she had ever seen.
"What is it made of?" She asked in wonder.
"Valyrian steel," He put the sheath on the couch and brought the sword down so it lay flat in his palms again. "From Old Valyria."
"Old Valyria?" She inquired. "That's where my ancestors are from!"
"I thought as much." He chuckled. "From your lavender eyes to your silver hair, there's no doubt in my mind that where your people are from. Whereas mine, according to the tales of my family, we originally came from a place called Bear Island."
"'Here we stand'," She murmured.
His eyes met hers, shocked, "You know of the oath?"
She bit her lip, suddenly shy. "Reptiles aside, I'd always had a fascination for old tales and legends. Especially when it relates to times like those. I'd heard of many of the main houses from back then. You've met Sansa. Her family is the Starks, originally from Winterfell."
"Not too far from Bear Island." He said as he put the sword back in its sheath and returned it to its perch on the wall. "Did you know that it was legend that the Valyrians, mainly the Targaryens," He winked, "Rode dragons? That they themselves were descended from dragons?"
"I have," She confirmed with a wistful sigh. "But aside from my brother Rheago, there are no dragons left. If there were any, he would've been the last."
Jorah came over and gently rand his fingers over her cheek. "I disagree. I see one last dragon before me. And she's as strong and courageous as any other."
She looked away, "I don't see her."
His hand slid down her arm to take hold of her hand. He tugged on it until she followed him to the tall mirror that stood in front of the wall. Gently, he lifted her chin so she could look into her reflection, "I do. She's right here," He released her chin to wrap his arms around her from behind. "I see it in your eyes, Daenerys. A mighty dragon still breathes fire from within. She's here. She's just afraid."
"Of course I am," She said with a shaky breath. "My father was cruel and my grandparents before him. I only knew them briefly but it was more than enough before they died. My brother, though not cruel, is manipulative and conniving. I don't want to be like them."
"And you're not,"
She shook her head, "But I could be."
"No, Daenerys," He insisted, she watched his reflection as he leaned to the side and kissed her neck. Whispering in her ear, he said, "Not if you don't forget who you are. You are nothing like them. You're right in Viserys not being a dragon. In all honesty, he's no better than a snake. That's as close as he'll ever be. He's but a weak candle flame to your dragon fire."
Daenerys went to bed with a huge grin on her face Friday night. For this first time in...ever she had an actual birthday party. For years it was always about Viserys. Her life had revolved entirely around him for so long that she's forgotten that even she deserves to have some fun. And it was nice to know that she had real friends to remind her.
Everyone at Sophie's Cafe came together and planned the whole thing. Even Sophie herself, her boss, closed the cafe for the day so they could celebrate. Then Sansa's little sister Arya came to show her support as well. Daenerys would've been fine with nothing but these amazing people actually made it a mission to ensure her that it would be a good day. Then there was Jorah.
Not that she didn't adore the gifts that all of her friends got for her, but it was his that had to be favorite. He'd listened to her go on about her failed attempt at becoming a professional photographer and went out of his way to get the perfect camera to get her started. He didn't have to do that. Why was he so kind and warm to her. He's admitted that he was attracted to her but so far he's done nothing more than kiss her. They hadn't even slept together yet.
Yet? She caught on to where her thoughts were really going. Was she actually considering sleeping with him? Saturday had come and gone already and, for the most part, remained in his study. The same place where she found him leaning against his balcony lost in his own mind. Again, she thought about how handsome he looked with his shirt unbuttoned revealing his naked chest. It would be an outright lie if she said that she didn't like what she saw. For a man his age, he looked like he kept himself in excellent shape. Given his profession as a civilian consultant over the years, he probably felt it necessary aside from it being health-wise. She wondered if he knew any form of martial arts or boxing.
Images of him poised and ready to strike down his opponent. Blocking whatever fists came at him as he would effortlessly dodge them and keep at bay. Given his Mormont family, she knew that he must have descended from actual knights. Then she thought about him dressed in knight's armor. His bear signal carved into the metal. That beautiful sword Longclaw sheathed at his waist.
Again her thoughts went that route. When was she going to get a handle on herself?
The song I'm a Boss Ass Bitch came from her phone, thankfully disrupting her thoughts before they went even further. She groaned it was Sansa. Her friend put in the ringtone herself to remind her that Sansa was always in charge and got the final say.
Daenerys pressed 'answer' and held it up to her ear, "Hey, Sansa,"
"Dany!" Her friend said a little too cheery. "You know what today is don't you?"
She glanced at her calendar, "Sunday?"
"Correct!" Sansa chirped. "It's girl's night! You and Missandei will be staying the night at our flat and then we'll all go to work together in the morning."
Daenerys blinked, shocked. "Girl's night?" Oh no, "Crap, Sansa, I don't know if I can."
She heard her friend groan on their end, "No backsies, you promised!"
She rubbed the back of her neck, torn, "Well, the circumstances have changed, Sansa. I have to stay with Jorah for the month so he'll forgive Viserys's debt."
There was a pause. For a moment, Daenerys feared that Sansa had hung up until, "So it's Jorah now?"
Bollocks! "I meant Mr. Mormont."
"Right," Obviously her friend wasn't convinced. Busted. "Anyway, how about I just give him a ring and tell him to let you stay over."
"You don't have his number." She pointed out.
"Don't I?" She could hear the teasing tone. "I asked that nice man Davos for one of Mr. Mormont's cards when came to pick you up on Friday."
"You what?"
"I'll ring him right now!"
"Sansa, don't...and you've already hung up." Daenerys huffed and threw her phone on the bed. She crossed her arms and sighed, sitting on her bed. It was doubtful that Sansa would actually be able to find the card. She'd seen her purse, the thing was always a mess. Oh well. They'll just have to reschedule.
A ring sounded from down the hall and her head shot up. It came from Jorah's study. "Bloody hell!" She jumped from her bed, ran out of her room, and shot down the hall. The ringing had already stopped, he must've answered the call. It can't be! Sansa, don't you dare! She didn't even knock when she made it to the double doors. Instead, she threw them open and saw him sitting at his desk with a bemused expression on his face.
She panted, a little out of breath from that slight jog, "Is that Sansa?"
Instead of answering her, he spoke into the receiver, "Yes, Ms. Stark, she just walked in."
Red alert! She ran forward and tried to grab at the phone. "Give it to me!"
"Tell me more of this 'girls night', Ms. Stark." He easily dodged Daenerys's hand. "Mmm-hmm," He kept her from grabbing the phone. "It sounds like it would be a grand time. I have no objections. Of course, she may go. But, I'd like to remind the both of you that she's my guest; not my prisoner."
"Sansa, you nosy wolf, hang up the bloody phone!" She reached over his chest to make another grab for it.
But Jorah was faster. While she was distracted at the hand that was holding the landline, she missed the arm that had been laying at his side as it shot around and held her tightly against his chest. Making it nearly impossible to struggle. Yet he carried on his conversation as if she weren't molded to him, "Excellent. Will she be staying just for the night or will she stay with you on Monday as well?" She could hear Sansa on the other line. "Just tonight? Perfect. Does she need a lift to the flat?... Alright...Yes, I'll tell her. Thank you, for calling, Ms. Stark. Have a grand time." He hung up after she did and had the biggest grin she had ever seen. "I've been informed by your friend that it is imperative that you attend this 'Girls Night' and that attendance is mandatory."
Daenerys hid her face in her hands. "I'm so sorry, Jorah, I completely forgot."
He let out a hearty laugh, "She's definitely Ned and Catelyn's daughter."
She lifted her head, "You know her parents?"
A shrug, "I knew them in passing. Our families were always close. Now, about tonight, she wanted to let you know that Missandei will be picking you up. Oh, and for you to pack your new onesie."
She crossed her arms and regarded him carefully, "You really don't mind me going? I thought the whole point of my being here was to stay for the entire month."
"It was and still is." He said instantly. "But I'm not going to shackle you to a radiator and keep you from living your life. You're my personal guest, Daenerys." He lifted his wrist and took a glance at his watch, his brow furrowing. "Though, I suggest you start packing what you'll need because she told me that Missandei was going to the shop first before coming here and she'll need to know what the address is."
Understanding that she was being dismissed, her mouth held wide open as she walked back to her room. She was shocked. By now she knew that Jorah wasn't a bad person. He was flirtatious but not to the extent where'd he would be considered a letch. He also was aware that she would do anything to protect the only family she had left. She'd bend over backwards for her brother and he knew it. Yet he hasn't asked her for anything that made her uncomfortable. But it's only been a few days. Things could still change and he could be a different man than he appeared. Although, somehow, she didn't feel it was possible.
Since she was just a little girl she'd always been a pretty good judge of character. Knowing full well when someone was dangerous or malicious. Hell, she could tell right off that there was something dangerous about Jorah, but not towards her. Or to those that seemed to care about her.
Her thoughts must have gone in circles several times because after what had felt like only a few minutes, a whole hour had passed. And she had nothing packed! Quickly, she scampered around the room and grabbed all the essential items that she would need. Nearly tripping on her own feet when the sound of a car honk came from outside. She looked out the window to see Missande's parked out front.
Daenerys ran to grab her bag when a knock came from her door. "Yes?"
Jorah's voice came from the other side. "I think your friend is here, Daenerys."
"Yes, I saw!" She called out while pulling on her jacket. "Come in if you want."
Cautiously, he opened the door and smiled at her. "Are you ready?"
She nodded and stood in front of him, "Yep,"
He rubbed her arms gently, "Have you got everything?"
She unzipped her rucksack and doubled checked its contents, "Yeah, I think so."
His brow went up, "Are you positive?"
Clearly, he knew something she didn't. Concerned she moved some of her things around to get a better look. Jammies; check. Toothbrush; check. Toothpaste; check. Hairbrush; check. Laptop; check. Purse; check. Makeup bag; check. Work shirt; check. That was everything. What was she missing then? She glanced up to ask him when she noticed he held her mobile in his hand.
"You forgot it on your bed." He said with a knowing smile.
She took the small device, embarrassed at her forgetfulness. "Thank you,"
"Of course," Then he kissed the tip of her nose and rubbed it gently with his. "I'll miss you. Have fun tonight."
She smiled. "I will."
"Dany!" Daenerys was enveloped in a hug by a familiar redhead so tight that she could barely breathe.
"Hey, Sansa," She wheezed, "Glad we got to do this. Think you could lessen your grip a tad?"
Her friend immediately pulled away but kept one arm around her shoulders. "So glad you could make it! I've been dying for this girl's night for weeks! What took you two so long?"
"The traffic from Mr. Mormant's house was ridiculous," Missandei explained as she closed the door behind them. "Not to mention we had to find a parking place and that was no easy task at this hour."
"Hey, Dany!" Arya greeted from the kitchen.
"Hi?" Daenerys waved to her and looked around the flat, "Where's Jon?"
"Kicked him out," Sansa said as she plopped down on the couch. "I told him to go have fun with the boys tonight. He'll be staying at Sam's and come back tomorrow after work."
"You didn't need to kick him out of his own home, Sansa,"
"Girl's night means no penises allowed." She flipped her hair. "No matter how much we like them."
"Sansa!"
"What?"
Arya broke the tension by holding up the phone and waved it. "How's about some pizza from PizzaExpress? I kept one of their menus last time I went. Then while they're making 'em, we can run to the market down the street and pick up some more snacks and be back before they arrive."
"They?" Daenerys repeated with uncertainty.
The young Stark girl smirked, "What? You didn't think I was going to order just one pizza, did you?
Sansa grinned, "Arya, did I ever tell you that you're my favorite sister?"
The younger sibling rolled her eyes. "I'm your only sister." She reminded her.
"Ergo, my favorite," Sansa clarified.
"Go get your shoes."
"Yes, I love you too." But, the older sister did as she was told and left to put on a pair of trainers.
Daenerys and Missandei shared a look and she had a feeling that this was going to be a fun night.
"So you're telling me that he's actually kissed you? Twice?" Sansa asked before putting another scoop of cookie dough ice cream into her mouth. "Why am I only hearing about this now?"
They'd all gone to the corner shop and picked up a good amount of sweets, soda, ice cream, and crisps. When they'd returned, the delivery man had just arrived with their order. After paying him, they went back up to the flat to shower and changed into their jammies. Sansa wore a grey-colored wolf onesie while Arya had a pug. Missandei had on a purple unicorn. Then Daenerys, of course, had on the black dragon she got for her birthday.
She was sitting on a bean bag and nibbling on a bag of twiglets when the interrogation of her stay with Jorah Mormont began.
"I think she was waiting for your mouth to be full," Missandei spoke from her perch on the counter by the microwave heating up a slice of pizza that had gotten cold. "You've barely let her get a word in edgewise."
The redhead glared at her with the spoon still in her mouth while Arya rolled her eyes and opened up another bag of crisps. She crossed her legs and kept her eyes on the telly, "How was the kiss?"
Daenerys chewed on her slice as her mind went back to when Jorah was helping her nurse her hangover. Looking back, she hadn't been kissed since she was a young teenager with a boy she fancied back in secondary school. And even then, it was pretty sloppy but it was her only comparison. If she could call it that. "It was strange and amazing all at once. I haven't kissed anyone in years so I'm not the best judge of character."
There was a ding and Missandei pulled out her slice from the microwave. "There's more to it than just the actual kiss. It helps when you fancy each other." She sat next to her on the floor and took a bite. "Was it just a peck or an actual smooch?"
"Well, I definitely fancy him." Daenerys blushed. "And it was a smooch."
All the other girls started to hoot and holler and she immediately wished she'd kept her mouth shut.
Arya was the first to say something coherent amidst the shouting. "Dany's finally getting some!"
"A knight in shining armor no less!" Missandei said with a wink. "Came and swept you off your feet."
Arya took a bite "More like she leaped!"
Daenerys rolled her eyes. "There was no leaping involved!"
Sansa arched her brow, "You were getting ready to hop over the counter when you first met him."
"Which I did not."
"But you wanted to."
"I'm not answering that."
"So that's a yes!"
"No, it is not!"
"Dany, luv?" Arya interrupted their banter with a raised finger. "Jumping on gorgeous men aside, how exactly did he know Viserys?"
"I'm not too sure," She wondered aloud. "They must have met in a pub somewhere. No doubt Viserys was trying to impress him with his so-called money-making skills. Calls himself 'The Dragon'. Also fancies himself an entrepreneur."
Sansa's brow quirked, "But Jorah certainly slew the self-proclaimed dragon!"
"Didn't you say it was for drugs?" Arya asked as her sister got up from the couch.
"Yep," Daenerys took one of the sweats and popped it in her mouth. "Viserys thought he'd try a hand at drug dealing. No surprise that it backfired."
"Wait," Missandei spoke suddenly as she tried to get separate some stringy cheese from her pizza with her teeth. "Your own brother used you as collateral to pay off the debt he owed to Mr. Mormont?"
"Well," she looked down, "it was more along the lines of a last-ditch attempt."
Sansa then came back in the room, holding a mall purse, "Time to do nails! What colors does everyone want?"
"Aquamarine," Missandei spoke.
Arya held her hand out, "Black, like my dark soul."
"Every the cheeky one, aren't you?" Sansa rolled her eyes but handed said color to her. "And Dany?"
"Got any dark blue?" Her answer was a small bottle being thrown at her. Luckily she caught it before it could hit her in the face. "Are we doing our own or each other's?"
Sansa's eyes lit up, "Oooh, let's do each other's! Arya and I will do ours and then you and Missi will do yours."
"Missi?" The olive-toned woman asked.
Sansa was busy examining a peach nail polish bottle when she answered curtly, "That's my nickname for you. Love it because I'm not changing it."
Said Missi looked towards Daenerys and she just shrugged, "There's no point in fighting it. Come on," They sat facing each other and each rested one of their feet on the other's lap.
Arya had already gotten started on Sansa's toes and vice-versa when she continued where the conversation cut off, "So since Viserys is such a coward, he decided to let his baby sister go to the sharks so he didn't have to go to prison?"
Daenerys glanced at her briefly as she stroked the small brush on Missandei's middle toe. "That's basically it. There was no way I could afford to actually pay him the money. And me being the loyal dog that I am, agreed."
"Should've let the twat sit in a cell," Sansa muttered,
"Right?" Missandei chuckled. "But at least this isn't a complete disaster. I dare say that you're getting the better part of the deal. Staying with a handsome stranger."
"I'll consider myself lucky if the house is still there in one piece when I get back. Only if the idiot hasn't sold it off already." Daenerys fanned her hand over the drying toe polish. "Or if there isn't a sign on the door that says, 'Premises must be vacated!'"
"Not like you won't have places to stay if that were to happen," Sansa said softly. "Viserys wouldn't be allowed here but you're certainly welcome in case you ever need it."
Missandei started fanning Danerys's feet. "You know I would offer too, Danerys, but Grey Worm just came home from working at a film shoot and we only have the one bedroom."
Danaerys smiled, touched. "Thank you, everyone. But I think everything will be fine."
After their pedicures, they all moved onto their hands. Which took a little longer. It was almost funny though. While one's nails were drying, the other held a fan to help it go faster. Then they moved onto facials. Sansa must have found a sale because she brought out all kinds of home-spa treatments. All were put to good use.
When all of the beauty treatments were finished, they all sat around the telly and watched some movies. Each one of them taking a turn picking a film. They didn't go to bed until little after midnight. All of them sprawled out on the living room floor save for Arya. Who lay on her stomach on the sofa with her arm hanging from the side. The only sounds coming from the bustling city despite its late hour. But, Daenerys has found one more place where she feels truly safe. The only other was at Jorah's home. Not her house. But here with her friends or at the manor with Jorah, was where she would always be safe and welcome.
