Chapter Two: 297 AC, Pentos
A Piece of Home
Two days after she arrived in Pentos and the day they were planning to leave with the Drogo's Khalasar, Visenya received a raven from Illyrio. It was a reply to the raven Visenya had sent while in Astapor. It had dawned on her that while she, Viserys and the others would know some of Westeros's customs, Daenerys was illy prepared for life among the Seven Kingdom's. So, she thought to get her sister a Lady in waiting. While the Tyrell's had two daughters of close age to both Jacaerys and Daenerys, they would be missed if Olenna sent them to Essos for a time, not to mention it would be suspicious, especially if everything Varys had heard around the Red Keep was true.
So, she had spoken with Arthur and he had suggested the Frey's. Walder Frey had many children, both trueborn and baseborn. One wouldn't be missed if she vanished for a time. She had written to Lord Frey and asked him to send one of his trueborn daughters who were between the age of ten and two and ten and six. Turns out, he had one that was the same age as Jacaerys, half a year older than Daenerys.
When Illyrio handed her the message, she cracked the sigil eagerly and read.
Visenya of the House Targaryen, Second of Her Name, Queen Regent of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdom's, Protector of the Realm
I have done what you asked of me your grace. My daughter Roslin is only a few moons older than Princess Daenerys and is on her way to Pentos, might already be there depending on when this reaches you. I sent a retinue of Frey soldiers with her; they are to deliver her to you and then come back before they are missed. We can't have anyone asking questions right now. Roslin was very excited at the opportunity you have given her; she is a soft quiet girl. I hope she will do well as a lady-in-waiting you your sister Princess Daenerys.
Best Wishes to You,
Walder Frey, Lord of the Crossing
Visenya grinned, relief pouring through her. Daenerys would now have a teacher, someone to prepare her for Westeros and Visenya had no doubt that Walder Frey would be cackling with glee of having a daughter so close to the true King of the Seven Kingdoms. Jacaerys had never been around many woman growing up, with the social classes that surrounded the Dothraki. The first time he ever lay with someone was when they returned from Valyria and he had had to much to drink and ended up with one of the serving wenches in the tavern they had taken cover in for the night. This would be something different for him as well, given Roslin Frey was apart of nobility.
She looked to Magister Illyrio, "If you would give Drogo our condolences when you arrive Magister, we will be delayed from our arrival it would seem," she said in Dothraki, having caught the curious look in Viserys eyes when the letter was delivered. Illyrio nodded his understanding, "I will take Prince Viserys with me, if that pleases you," the large fat man said. Visenya shook her head, "He better come with us," she said. Illyrio nodded and departed quickly and then Jacaerys turned to look at his aunt, "What was that about?" he asked curiously.
Visenya climbed to her feet, "Before we left Astapor, I wrote to one of the Lords loyal to us in Westeros asking for him to send one of his daughters to serve as Daenerys Lady in waiting, given she knowns nothing of Westeros and their customs. If we were in Westeros she would have many ladies to tend her, so I though this appropriate and it's a piece of home. Lord Frey has send his daughter Roslin, who is ten and four. She has probably arrived already, we need to go collect her from the docks." she explained as Lillian, Arthur, Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell climbed to their feet as well. Daenerys and Jacaerys shared a look as they followed the elder Targaryen's lead.
Daenerys was filled with shock and happiness as she listened to Visenya speak. The sister she had only seen a couple of times in her life wanted her to be happy and had brought her a lady-in-waiting, someone from home. The home they were fighting to go back too. Someone to prepare her for Westeros. She looked at her sister in gratitude as they left Illyrio's home and headed to the stables where the horses were already saddled and waiting for them. Ser Oswell helped her up onto the white mare she always used since coming to Pentos, "Up you get Princess," he said before walking to his horse and mounting.
Visenya took the lead to the docks, looking for the sigil of House Frey. The docks were busy and she eyes many of the men wearily, wondering if an assassin was among them. Her paranoia served her well because two men walked passed her, too close, and she almost drew her sword until she caught sight of the sigil on their clothing. On his armor was two towers, united by a bridge, on a silver-grey field, giving away that he was from House Frey. She dismounted her horse, gesturing for the others to wait and then walked further into the docks with Arthur on her heels.
They followed the man to a ship holding a plain white sail, which had a small crew on board and Visenya relaxed as she recognised the many Westerosi features many shared. She and Arthur shared a look, because Lord Frey had been very cautious when sending his daughter across the Narrow Sea, before announcing themselves.
"I am looking for Lady Roslin," she announced loudly, gaining everyone attention, as she stood beside the ship, hand on the pommel of her sword, just in case.
"I am Lady Roslin," a soft shy voice said as a person covered in a cloak rose to her feet from the corner she had been hiding in. She pulled the hood down and allowed Visenya to get a good look at her face. The first thing she noticed was that Roslin was small. She had fair skin, a pretty face with a small chin, delicate nose, and big doe brown eyes. Between her teeth she has a small gap but not too noticeable. Her hair is deep Frey brown and reached her waist in delicate waves. She was dressed in the Westerosi fashion and Visenya knows she will have to change or they will garner too much attention, given she and Daenerys both wore Essosi fashions.
Roslin looked at the women her father had sent her too. She knew the women was Queen Regent, but she looked so small. When she had stood before her, Visenya was only an inch taller then her and she wasn't very tall. Her father used to tell stories of the Targaryen's and she always seen them big like mountains in her head. She never would have imaged the Dragon Queen to be small, curved with delicate framing and long wavy black hair. The violet eyes though are what showed her strength. Inside those eyes were words to raise you up to be better. She inspired Roslin just standing there.
Especially because she wasn't wearing gown, but dressed in black leather armour with a sword strapped to her back. The woman of Westeros weren't allowed to become warriors unless they were in Dorne. Roslin had never seen a woman carry a sword before, unless she counted the rumors that had circled about Brienne of Tarth and her trusty sword. This woman though, she was Queen Visenya come again, Roslin though.
"Your Grace," she whispered with a curtsy. Visenya smiled lightly, "Welcome to Essos Lady Roslin. We are getting ready to leave, are you ready to begin?" she asked. Just those words told Roslin that she was being invited on an adventure like all the books talked about. She looked at the man standing next to the Queen and took a deep breath before exhaling. She wouldn't miss it for anything.
The man who she had looked at bowed lightly and introduced himself, "My Lady, I am Ser Arthur Dayne, Sworn-Sword of the Queen Regent. A pleasure to meet you little lady," he introduced himself. The breath caught in her chest, this was the greatest Knight in all of Westeros and he was guarding the Targaryen Family. She had heard the rumors that he had died or gone missing after Robert's Rebellion along side Ser Gerald Hightower, who had been the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and Ser Oswell Whent. Not a single person suspected he was still with the true heir to the Iron Throne.
Visenya vanished into the ship and came back carrying a chest, which Arthur took from her, "Are you ready Lady Roslin?" she asked softly, giving her one most chance to back out. Roslin smiled slightly and then nodded, "I am more than ready," she whispered, excitement coursing through her. Visenya took Roslin's arm, which the younger girl held tightly as they maneuvered through the docks and they headed for their horses. When they got there Visenya looked at Roslin with serious face, "Before you meet everyone, don't ever leave the side of someone in the Targaryen party, do not wander off with Viserys alone and try not to stare or express disgust at anything you see, we don't need anything happening to you," she said quietly.
Roslin nodded, determination running through her body. Her father her expected her to act as the noble lady she was and keep the Frey name strong with the royal family. She had every intention of doing so and more. She wanted to be able to say she was a friend to Princess Daenerys and that she was a supporter of the Targaryen Family. Visenya mounted her horse and then held her arm out to Roslin. She had only ever ridden double once, so it was a little awkward when she took the Queen Regent's arm and was pulled onto the horse.
Roslin took a deep breath as she wrapped her arms around Visenya.
This was it, her new adventure.
~!~
The others had been waiting impatiently and Jacaerys was starting to shift on his feet, wondering if something had happened as it was taking his aunt and Ser Arthur too long. The sound of horses caught everyone's attention and they looked up to see Visenya and Arthur coming towards them, the former with another rider on her horse. Visenya pulled her horse to a stop in front of everyone and Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell, both men who had seen Frey's before, were shocked at the sight of Lady Roslin Frey, as she was quite beautiful.
Daenerys grinned when she saw Ser Arthur and her sister coming back to them. She was surprised to see the small, beautiful burnet behind her sister. Even she had heard the rumors about Lord Frey's daughters. She wasn't anything like Daenerys was expecting. Roslin looked over Visenya's shoulder and instantly zeroed in on the Princess. Her hair was white with flowing waves that curled around her breasts but her purple/blue eyes were stunning. They seemed to pin her to her spot and stare right into her soul, making Roslin slightly uncomfortable until the Princess smiled at her.
Thunder, Visenya's horse, came to a stop beside the mare Daenerys had ridden and she dismounted before turning to help Roslin, who was not used to being on horseback. Then she led her over to Daeny, "Daenerys, I want you to meet Lady Roslin Frey, she is to be your lady-in-waiting. Lady Roslin Frey I would like you to meet Princess Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen," Visenya introduced them before taking a step back. Everyone watched as Roslin curtseyed to the Princess before Daenerys linked their arms and hugged her in greeting, blinking tears back from her eyes.
For the first time in her life, home was no longer a thing she couldn't touch or see. Here was a Lady from Westeros right in front of her and Daenerys, for the first time ever, felt the longing for Westeros. Not to Braavos and the house with the red door but across the Narrow Sea to a Red Keep that ruled Seven Kingdoms. To a place their ancestors had conquered so many years before. To the place Rhaegar, Visenya, Viserys, Jacaerys and she had been born. She felt a longing to returned to Westeros that she never had before.
Roslin shared an understanding look with the Princess and then turned to the rest of the Targaryen party and Visenya smiled as she pointed to each person, "These are Ser Gerald Hightower, Lord Commander of the Queensguard, Ser Oswell Whent, Daario Naharis, Captain of the Stormcrows, and Lillian Flowers my lady-in-waiting," she gestured to each person as she introduced them. Then she came to a young teen not much older then Roslin. He had curly black hair and beautiful purple eyes, "Roslin this is His Grace, Prince of Dragonstone and Heir to the Iron Throne Jacaerys of Houses Targaryen and Stark. Jace, this is Lady Roslin Frey of House Frey."
Roslin's eyes widened as she curtsied to the Prince and Jacaerys kissed her hand in greeting. No one in Westeros even knew what Prince Rhaegar's last child looked like. Everyone said he would be the spitting image of the Valyrian's with their white, blond hair and purple eyes. But it was no wonder the usurpers assassins could never find him. Jacaerys Targaryen looked more like Lord Eddard Stark than Rhaegar Targaryen. Arthur, Visenya, Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell and Lillian all chuckled at the look of Jacaerys face. He looked as though he had been struck by lightning.
They all relaxed as the girls bonded as they mounted their horses to leave. Daenerys and Roslin shared and Visenya fell back to ride next to Ser Oswell and Ser Gerald, "Watch him," she ordered quietly watching Viserys leer at Roslin Frey. It didn't surprise her really. Viserys took after their father and everyone knew Aerys Targaryen had a wondering eye and took whoever and whatever he wanted. Visenya knew he had raped other highborn noble woman but he was the King and no one was able to speak against him, least they die in a burst of wildfire. The two knights nodded as they headed towards the Dothraki encampment set up just beyond Pentos's walls. There was silence as they traveled, broken by the occasion giggle between he girls, as none knew what to say in Viserys company. What he had tried to do before Visenya arrived and stopped them, had tension heavy among the men.
Visenya did catch her nephew peeking at Roslin Frey when he thought no one was looking. With a grin she moved so she rode along side of him, making sure Viserys wasn't close enough to heart their words, "She's very beautiful nephew," she said softly startling him. Jacaerys jumped in his saddle and swung around to face his aunt who was laughing at him. He blushed cherry red, "She's so different from the women here," he said softly. Roslin was perched on the back of his aunts horse and everything seemed to filled her with delight as she looked around in every direction as they passed through the marketplace of Pentos.
He didn't understand the appeal, it looked just like all the other marketplaces around Essos. Visenya grimaced slightly, "In Westeros there are many restrictions placed on the noble ladies Jace. Roslin had probably never been out of the Twins or ridden a horse for such a long period of time before. At home those things are frowned upon unless you are in Dorne. Everything she is seeing is a new adventure to her, away from being just a dutiful bride," she explained gently. Jace frowned, "But that's not fair. You learned to ride," he asked confusion radiating from him.
"That's slightly different Jacaerys," she pointed out. "I was born a bastard and then legitimized. Everyone assumed I would be Rhaegar's bride but our father didn't want to mix the blood of dragon with that of the First Men. That's when Rhaegar was betrothed to Elia Martell. After Aerys said there would be no betrothal, I was given a lot of liberties most noble ladies aren't. I grew up in Kings Landing and Dragonstone, you know. I was a very energetic child and my mother couldn't find enough things to keep me busy. Eventually, she tossed me at the Kingsguard and told them to find a way to burn some of my energy out. They tried all sorts of different thing but it was when Ser Gerald placed my first practice sword in my hand that everything changed. I took to it quickly, though I got knocked down a lot at first.
Eventually, after a few years, I was the one knocking my opponents down. At the Tourney in the Capital when my brother married Elia Martell, Rhaegar and I decided that it would be great fun if I snuck in and bested everyone during the melee. I had won the archery contest and three horse races earlier that day and I wanted to show off a bit. We managed to get me into my armor with Arthur's help before it started. It was black pants and tunic with a light red leather doublet over top with red boots. I wore a hood covering my hair and a face cover leaving only my eyes available. I got out there, the adrenalin hit me and I fought.
When it was over, Aerys asked me what I wanted for a boon. Before I could answer people were calling for me to remove my mask. I was about to refuse when Princess Elia asked as a gift on her wedding day, I joked that for if a beautiful women asked that of me then I shall do as commanded. I pulled my hood off and a great laugh was heard, Aerys Targaryen had laughed as I was revealed. 'A mighty Targaryen Princess she is. How about a round of applause for her teachers, my Kingsguard,' the clapping seemed to echo across the keep for weeks afterward. He asked what I wanted for a boon and I asked if it would be possible to rebuild Summerhall. It was the third ruling seat of the Targaryen family. It burned to the ground the day Rhaegar was born.
He had agreed. He took great pride that his only daughter was a warrior and a better one too then the Crown Prince. Many called me Queen Visenya come again. He laughed himself silly over it more then once and had me duel the Kingsguard for entertainment many times during court. It was why he sent me to fight in the Rebellion. Ser Jonothor Darry and Prince Lewyn Martell died as they tried to get me away from the fighting after my brother fell. I think that I when I truly hated Aerys," she told her story, not noticing that Ser Gerald and ser Oswell were listening in, remembering everything she spoke about clearly.
Visenya had been their star pupil and Ser Gerald had never regretted putting a sword in her hand, especially since it was the reason Aerys sent her to fight and she wasn't in Kings Landing when the Lannister's sacked it. They had no doubt if Visenya had been there, that she would have been dead. Tywin never would have allowed her to wed, especially if he wanted his daughter to be Queen. The smart thing would have been for Robert to wed Visenya and claim the throne that way, but the Stag King was an idiot and instead wed a lioness, who cuckolded him, leaving him with no legitimate heir and no one to fight Jacaerys claim to the throne.
Jacaerys had listened with fascination at the tale she told. He knew she was a brilliant warrior; he had seen her go against five Dothraki warriors as he was growing up and win. He had also seen her battle some thieves who tried to steal their most valuable possessions. He hoped he could be as good of warrior as she was one day. But he never knew that there were so many restriction of the noble ladies of Westeros. He silently promised himself that the day he sat on the Iron Throne, he would make it so women could fight if they wanted to.
Roslin Frey looked at the Queen with a smile, "You know in Westeros, people still speak of that Tourney. Lady Olenna laughed herself sick when Robert said you weren't that good of a warrior one year at his sons nameday celebration. She told him that when he could take ten people on at once and walk away with naught a scratch, she would believe him. Many of women see you as something to aspire to. I heard that Lord Stark's youngest daughter Arya, is much like her aunt, and runs wild through the North. She claims she will be like Visenya Targaryen one day to her parents frustration," she said laughing.
Arthur chuckled, "The first time she knocked Lewyn to the ground, he laughed and told her to do it again. She knocked him down again, then Ser Barristan came up behind her, she swept his leg out from under him, and knocked him down with her dagger at his throat. We were all very proud and when we told Aerys, I don't think I had seen him so lucid since before Duskendale. He was so very proud that his only daughter was like Visenya and Rhaenys come again. Rhaella was also proud and gave her, her first sword. When she took all of us on at once and knocked us down in the Throne Room just before Rhaegar was betrothed to Elia, we were all pleased. At Rhaegar's wedding celebrations Aerys named her Princess of Summerhall. That means if Jacaerys hadn't been born and named Prince of Dragonstone, she would be heir to the Iron Throne above even Viserys," he explained proudly.
Roslin looked slightly shocked at that, "But I thought son always inherited before daughters," she said curiously. Arthur nodded, "In most cases yet but the line of succession for the Iron Throne goes by title. Rhaegar was the Prince of Dragonstone, which was the first seat of House Targaryen. Kings Landing is where the King rules and then Summerhall was built as the second seat of House Targaryen, whoever held it was the second heir until the Prince/Princess of Dragonstone had a child. So, the succession would have gone Rhaegar, Visenya, Viserys and then Daenerys but with Jace being alive, he's the heir as Rhaegar's only surviving offspring," the Sword of Morning explained and everyone's expressions cleared. Viserys stared at Visenya in shock, not having been aware of that part of the line of succession.
Ser Gerald grumbled at the prideful look on Visenya's face, "No need to rub it in our face Visenya," he said grudgingly like he would when she was but a little girl, it threw her into flash backs of a happier time. Over the years, they had dropped a lot of the formality that had surrounded them in Kings Landing and addressed each other by name. Arthur nudged her arm to drag her back, for he knew those memories always gave her nightmares. She smiled in thanks just as the sound of the Khalasar echoed around them and she realized they were coming upon the horde. Visenya took the lead stopping by Daenerys and Roslin for a few seconds, "Whatever you do, do not leave one of our sides and never go with anyone alone. If you need something, ask before you move. These men will take a beautiful women against her will, they do not understand the word no. Also do not stare," she explained quickly as they came over the hill.
Forty thousand Dothraki spun to face them. The ones closest instantly recognized Visenya and most the members of her party and word was quick to spread among everyone gathered. As their attention was draw to the women riding the huge black stallion, they began to cry out, "Khaleesi," or 'Mother Khaleesi' but Khaleesi was repeated often in Dothraki and a path cleared up to the raise platform where Drogo was standing, waiting for them. He smiled as her party moved through the crowd, many wondering which girl their Khal was to wed as there were two young ones. However, many greeted Jacaerys, Lillian, Ser Oswell, Ser Gerald and Ser Arthur with happiness and welcomed them back into the fold.
"I bring you the Khaleesi of my fathers heart. The Great Mother Khaleesi of my Horde, my fathers wife in heart. She had agreed to join us to Vaes Dothrak!" he cried to his people. Celebration broke out amongst them, Visenya taking Daenerys and Roslin and sitting up at the front on the stairs at Drogo's feet. The Knights joined the people in drinking for they knew they could handle it. Viserys sat there mumbling under his breath as Illyrio watched him with disgust. They called her the Great Mother because when she had travelled with them before, she cared for many of the children and even the injured men like a mother would. They called her Khaleesi because it was their word for Queen and she had travelled side by side of Khal Bharbo for many years.
Many came forward presenting the missing Khaleesi with gifts. One brought forward a box of snakes, Visenya offered her arms to a beautiful red viper, making her heart ache with longing, and let it wrap itself around her wrist. It wrapped around her shoulder resting its head on the opposite wrist it had climbed and just watched everything around it. Drogo grinned at her as he remembered her doing that when he was younger. One of the women dancing was mounted by one of the men and a fight broke out as one of the others wanted her. Visenya cheered with everyone else as one was killed and his braid presented to her before ten men stepped forward. They had been apart of Bharbo's Khalasar before he died, but not his bloodriders.
Visenya knew the men as well as Drogo did and he straighten abruptly and the music stopped as all focused on them. Visenya shrugged the snake from her shoulders and passed it over to Drogo, who accepted it. He knew she could handle herself, so he watched as she stepped forward, anticipation filling him. Frightened Daenerys and Roslin moved back, standing right next to where Drogo was sitting, Arthur moved over to them from where he had been standing with Drogo's bloodriders, "Princess, everything will be okay. You sister is one of the best fighters I know," he said gently after seeing the concern in her eyes. Daenerys nodded and he moved to stand beside Roslin, who was clutching onto the other girls arm tightly, hoping Visenya really was the warrior all the legends claimed she was.
Visenya stepped forward no weapons visible, face expressionless and eyes on the men watching her. They had been some Khal Bharbo's most trusted advisors before he had met her. They had all grown up together but they didn't like the hold she had on their Khal. After an argument, where they insulted her, Bharbo stopped taking their council and they had hated her ever since. Visenya hadn't thought they would run into each other again due to the fact; they hadn't thought Drogo would be a good Khal. When she had become the Khal's lover, things had taken a turn for the worst. They thought she insulted them by not wedding their Khal, though she was barren. They had even tried to kill her once; he had stopped them.
"No Bharbo to save you now bitch," one snarled at her in Dothraki.
"She's nothing but a whore, spreading her legs for powerful men," another one said.
"We're gonna knock you down and rape you until you're dead. Then we're gonna send your family's heads back to where you came from," another one said, this threat making her bare her teeth at the Dothraki screamer. She would never let anything happen to her family.
At those words, Drogo stiffened and the Knights all drew their blades and pushed the Targaryen's together to protect them. Jacaerys had drawn his sword and stood protectively in front of Roslin and Daenerys who were watching with wide eyes from their spot on the dais. They stayed in a circle around them, watching their surrounding, to make sure no one could attack while their back was turned. Visenya could take ten men and drop them easily, but there could be more men in on their plan. They watched as their words sparked her temper and then silence fell.
Visenya would never make the first move. That gave away her advantage.
The silence stretched between them for what seemed like hours but was only minutes before one of the screamers made the first move. Visenya had taken the legs out from under him and slit his throat before he could even touch her, pulling one blade from her boot and the other from the sheath hidden at her spine. His blood had squirted across her face, giving her a feral look before the fight broke out. It was instinctive as she moved among the blades and Visenya had killed four more in only seconds, due to her smaller size, before meeting her first real challenge.
He had to be twice her size, twice her weight but she was smaller and could move quicker. She took a few hits before she managed to get the advantage when he stumbled over one of the dead bodies of his comrades. She hooked her leg through his, knocking him down and her knife tore through the side of his neck and he dropped to the ground to bleed to death as she moved onto her next target with no hesitation in her movements.
Ser Jorah Mormont was watching from the crowd with wide eyes. He was trying to earn his pardon from King Robert so he could go home. However, he was watching Visenya Targaryen fight against ten men and she was winning. He could see a crowd of five hundred men on horse back gathering at the edge of the Khalasar camp and men bearing a crow on their armor closing in to surround the remaining Targaryen family, ready to try and get them out if things turned for the worse. They were not as weak as the Baratheon King expected. He also knew that Visenya would recognise him instantly and so would the Kingsguard, as he knew who she was the moment she saw her. It was Daella Targaryen, the Princess everyone though dead and vanished into the rivers of the Red Fork, never to be found. Jorah knew right then and there if he reported this to Robert, he would instantly earn his pardon.
For years, the usurper had tried to figure out who had been protecting the Targaryen family. They were always one step ahead of the assassins, always traveling, never staying in one spot. And now he knew why. Daella Targaryen was famous with her cunning and strength. If she was the one protecting the Targaryen's all these years, there was no way they wouldn't return to Westeros at some point. Jorah knew some of the Great Houses had declared for her during Robert's Rebellion but she wouldn't turn against her brother, not because she loved him but because of Elia Martell and her children. Everyone knew the two Princesses had been close. With what Tywin Lannister had done, Jorah would bet anything that Daella/Visenya would never rest until justice was meted out.
The fight ended when Visenya sliced her knife through the last screamer who threatened to rape her, intestines and spilled them for all to see. Her legs shook, it had been awhile since she had last fought so hard, as she rose back to her feet. Her armour was streaked with blood, her face covered in splatters and her hair had fallen out of its binding hanging around her, to her knees. She looked ancient and wild. She stalked among the dead and cut their braids off swiftly with their own blades, then raised them for everyone to see before walking to the large bonfire that had been lit a few feet away from the dais, "I am Visenya of the House Targaryen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms and the Princess of Summerhall. I am the Beloved Mother of the Sand Snakes of Dorne. I am the widow in everything but name to Khal Bharbo. I am the lost loved one of the Red Viper. I am the Aunt of Prince Jacaerys Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne. I am the champion of the Targaryen family, to challenge them is to challenge me. I AM THE BLOOD OF THE DRAGON, AND I WILL BOW TO NO ONE!" her voice was calm when she started but by then end she was screaming as she threw the severed braids into the fire and the flames lit up around her making her look ethereal.
The Dothraki roared their approval back at her as many rushed to touch her, wanting to bask in her victory. She could see the Stormcrows relaxing, could see her sister, nephew and Roslin cheering for her behind Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell and Ser Arthur. Daario bowed his head in respect to her when their eyes met, from his spot beside Viserys. The Dothraki came forward and touched her, gently, reverently, each giving some form of acceptance. Some of the slaves began to clap and bang against their drums, a deep beat of victory. The area around her cleared leaving a circle of clapping Dothraki, four Dothraki handmaidens came forward and slowly stripped her of her armour.
Daenerys and Roslin looked on curiously as Visenya's armour fell to the ground piece by piece. Arthur leaned down to explain, "It is a sign of great respect for them to greet her after the fight. It is now her honor to do something for them in thanks for their support after her fight. The maids will wipe her body clean of blood; in thanks for their service, she will bare her body to the crowd, allow them to touch her, as she dances. If they want too, some of the women join her. They strip naked and dance with her, it is a sign of acceptance in their culture" he explained watching as they stripped his Queen of her armour, leaving her fair skin open for everyone to see.
He was from Dorne and seeing naked woman wasn't anything new to him but Arthur privately wondered what Oberyn would think of the love of his life baring her body for thousands to see. Arthur never forgot what he had seen during the Tourney of Harrenhal, when Visenya had danced in the rain with Oberyn's four bastard daughters. He never forgot Rhaegar's face when Oberyn had kissed her and she hadn't pushed him away. He had understood Visenya a lot better after the tourney, especially when he had followed her to Dorne to visit just before Lyanna Stark was kidnapped.
Visenya listened as the clapping continued and the drumbeats picked up. Her body began to sway in unison to the beat and the two women looked up at her in awe. A warrior Khaleesi returned to their horde. Drogo watched, as he had always loved this part when she would dance, anticipation filling him. They took her armour, putting them down in front of Drogo, before joining the crowd to watch. The drumming grew louder, some of the men built up the bon fires around the camp until they roared to the sky and shadows began flickering around them as she began to dance.
She flowed like water as she danced in the circle, more primitive and barbaric than the dances of Westeros. As she passed them, people would reach out and brush their hands around her in awe and respect. An anklet around her ankle glittered in the fire light, her hair flowed around her as she moved. She began to sing with the rhythm of the music, sounding like a voice singing down from the Night Lands. The maids who had stripped her of her clothing, had now stripped out of their clothing and joined her, moving in unison with her. Their voices added to hers, making it sound like the singing of the Gods. The men watched as the pale flesh of the Targaryen women flicked around the fire like the moon in the circle. They felt like they had been granted a gift by the Great Stallion.
Daenerys watched silently, unable to form words. The awe and respect given to her sister made her heart pound with excitement. She had always known her sister was something special, but to see her dance for all these men, totally comfortable in her own skin, it made Daenerys want to be just like her. She nodded in determination and began to strip from her clothing without a word. Roslin looked at her and her eyes widened, "What are you doing?" she whispered. Daenerys smiled, "I want to have the respect she has one day. If my sister can dance for all these men bare of her clothing, then I can do this in honor of her," she explained as her dress fell as her feet and she stepped away from it, not caring that everyone could see her naked body. She felt empowered with some of the men's attention on her, especially Drogo's.
Roslin watched the women dancing, smiles on their faces and the beat of the music pulsing through them. Roslin always said she wanted something more and to experience new things, she also knew she might not ever get another chance to do something like this. Before Daenerys could join them she turned to Roslin, only to see her stripping out of dress with deft hands. When they were both naked, the grabbed hands giggling and joined the dancing women around Visenya, falling into the steps easily. Her smile when she saw them was bright and it made Daenerys beamed back with happiness as she spun around. Roslin's heart pounded as she joined the dance and raced when she began to sing. Her voice was slightly higher then the others but blended well.
The music picked up making them step faster and sing louder, hands joining as they bowed before the fire before spinning away. Jacaerys eyes landed on Roslin, eyeing her from head to toe before they met her doe brown eyes. She was so beautiful in the firelight and for the first time ever, Jacaerys felt longing for something he couldn't have. He had known all his life; he would be entered into an arranged marriage to build alliances among the Lords of Westeros but he hadn't expected to meet Roslin. Now, she joined his aunts and thought not one wit of what anyone would think of them for what they were doing and Jace felt resentment for his station in his life.
Visenya danced like she had never danced before. She had never felt as incredible as she did in that moment. When she saw Daenerys and Roslin join the circle, she beamed at them with pride. Here were two women new to the Dothraki ways and they had joined without a second thought. As she twirled in the circle, she caught the eyes of Drogo. His face was filled with delight as he watched Daenerys. Here was the girl he was betrothed too and she had joined in on a piece of his culture with no prompting. When his eyes found the deep violet eyes of Visenya, a women who had been like a mother to him, though they were only a decade apart in age, she grinned at him, approval flaring in her eyes. He knew then she would stand beside him in his pursuit of her sister.
Ser Jorah Mormont watched it all. He was stunned silent when Visenya was deprived of all her clothes and then he had been stunned a second time when her younger sister joined the group with a dark-haired women he had never seen before. He knew that he had a choice to make, he knew that the Targaryen's were beginning to collect support so they could return home. Watching the charism that Visenya seemed to exclude naturally, he knew she would have no problems winning support nor would Targaryen loyalists turn her away when she returned to Westeros. He could either become part of their new empire or be against them. He knew he had to make to choice soon as Ser Gerald caught his eye across the sea of people.
Visenya spun one last time and the fire roared and sparked as she finished. The women all gave a bow before Visenya turned to Drogo. He grinned at her and waved Illyrio forward. Illyrio stepped forward with a beautiful white dornish dress in his arms. She took it from him and pulled it on and relaxed into the soft flowing fabric. There was a band around her breasts, the back was open till the top of her waist and the front lay in gentle folds down to her belly button. The material so thin, everyone could see her body through it in the fire light. She quickly braided her hair to the side before turning to the crowd. She was dressed in clothes from home and with a pang she realized how much she missed her family. Everyone had begun rowdily celebrating again and she grinned. All the women who had danced with her had dressed and Daenerys and Roslin rushed over to her with big smiles on their faces.
"That was amazing," the Princess gushed with excitement.
Roslin nodded her lips spread wide in a smile, "I've never seen anything like it," she whispered in awe. Visenya threw her head back and laughed, "The Dothraki are much relaxed then Westeros," she said, making Roslin nod her head in agreement. Jacaerys came over to them, "Beautiful as always Aunt Senya," he greeted them, "Drogo is asking for you," he said in Dothraki gesturing behind her to where Drogo was still sat on the dais. She turned to see him watching her and she nodded her consent before turning to the girls, "I must go speak with Drogo. Jace will keep you company, don't go anywhere without telling someone," she warned them again. The girls nodded before turning to speak with Jacaerys who grinned at them, eyes flickering to Roslin's face frequently.
Visenya smiled at Drogo as she walked to him. When she was by his side, he shooed his bloodriders away and then turned to stare intensely at her. Finally, he signed, "Is it true? What you brother said about building an army to return across the sea?" he asked watching her. Visenya signed before lowering herself to sit on the left side of him, the safe place, and she shook her head slightly, "I would never ask that of your people Drogo," she said quietly, already knowing what was running through his mind.
He scowled, "My father had offered before you left," he hissed angrily. His father had loved this women, he had offered to cross the Narrow Sea and help her win the throne back for her family even though they did not like the idea of crossing the salty sea. Visenya rose to her feet with a glower, "I denied him because I knew that Westeros would never accept your people. I would never take you from your home. I know how much Vaes Dothrak means to your people, what right do I have to ask you to leave it?" she asked pacing in front of him. Drogo rubbed a hand over his jaw, "Visenya," he said quietly in the common tongue.
She turned to him again, tears in her eyes, "I know your father would have come with me. I knew he would have moved his whole Khalasar across the Narrow Sea to help me. but you also forget, I am promised to someone there. I could not take Bharbo there and then return to my sun and stars and dishonor his people. I denied him and I will deny you if you offer. Your home is here Drogo," she said softly in Dothraki.
Drogo looked at her with deep eyes, "Where is your home Khaleesi?" he wondered aloud watching her. Her eyes turned to the sea and her expression gave her away, "is it with him?" he asked. Her eyes fluttered, "It will always be with him and our four daughters," she admitted quietly. Drogo inhaled sharply; he had no idea she had daughters. He had noticed the shadows in her eyes many times but he had never known she had children. He now understood the longing in her eyes when she looked at out across the Narrow Sea. He now understood why she was so desperate to go home.
He nodded his understanding and she vanished back into the crowd without another word.
As the Dothraki celebrated till the early morning, Drogo thought of the future and what it could bring, Roslin and Daeny bonded over never having friends away from family, Viserys plotted his elder bastard sister and nephews murder, Jacaerys thought of the smiling brown eyes of Roslin, the Queensguard began to collect their white cloaks knowing that soon, they would be summoned back to their ruler, Ser Jorah made his choice and Visenya sat down and wrote a letter that had been long overdue.