(Author's Note: Sorry for the long absence. My career's really taken a good turn and I fell off the writing wagon. Thanks to all of my readers, really truly).
Dinner was nothing like what they had when they stayed with Illyrio. There were always fancy Westerosi foods, table clothes, fine plates and guests. Dothrakis had a very different idea of feasting. Like most affairs the Dothraki had, it was primal. Yet they seemed so free. Khal Drogo was in charge but beyond that they ate, drank, slept, fucked and all other manner of goings-on together and they were happy to be alive. Happy to be a horde moving back home with a new Queen at their head. And Aeris was happy for her sister.
Kindly, Daenerys had not mentioned Aeris' change of clothes when they took their seats close to the Khaleesi's. Viserys made sure to express his distaste for nearly everything in the evening while they ate; from the food to the wares to the company and the music… Aeris was forced to hide her pleasure. She was pleased to be sitting down, to be eating food that was not considered tack and to be listening to the hum of pleasure around her. She did not understand most of what was being said but she sought the happiness, the contentment in the voices around her and soaked it in in her attempt to block Viserys' displeasure out.
Muttering that he might be sick the displeased future-King rose from the table and disappeared into the night. Aeris was rather pleased to be left alone. The Dothraki still frightened her but she was coming to realize she may have more to fear from her own flesh and blood.
"I am sorry about your clothes, Aeris," a familiar voice took the seat Viserys had vacated.
"It is all right, Ser Jorah," Aeris turned to see the man in the firelight, "I am just grateful you were there," she said. She was glad it was dark; he could not see the shade of red she had turned when she thought about him seeing her in such a state.
"When I swore an oath to your brother it was to protect both you and him," he explained, "And that oath still stands even if it is protecting you from him," Jorah finished.
Aeris found herself wishing Jorah had been there the nights previous when Viserys had been intent on taking what was his. But she said nothing of this.
"Viserys has not been taking care of himself," Jorah glanced back in the direction he ran off, "It has not helped his mood either."
"No," Aeris laughed nervously. It was always a little scary when she found a chuckle at the expense of her brother.
Jorah was silent then. When she looked back over his weathered features she could tell he wanted to say something. But before Aeris could ask what was on his knowledgeable mind, Jorah rose promptly from his seat.
Aeris was left in only a moment of confusion before a vice grip wrapped itself around her upper arm, "We are done here," Viserys hissed. He was upset she hadn't followed him when he left the feast.
Aeris threw a look at Dany who watched her sister leave with a creased brow. Even the Khal had looked over. He leaned in to the moon of his life's ear and grunted something Aeris could not hear and she was long gone by the time Daenerys responded.
Aeris was brought back to their tent and Viserys removed his sword belt promptly, "You are getting much too comfortable with these savages, sweet sister," he said lowly.
Aeris was beginning to get déjà vu. She knew things had to improve when they reached Vaes Dothrak and Daenerys beside Khal Drogo would be in full control of everyone and everything inside their domain…. No matter what Viserys thought himself.
"It was only a dinner, brother," she said quietly. If Dany was there, Aeris was sure she could have taken a stand against her brother's negativity but when Dany was missing it was like it took all the hope and confidence with her. "I quite tired, any way. It was quite a long ride."
"I told you you were finished out there," his grey eyes flared, "You are not done in here," he finished. "Khal Drogo takes Daenerys every night, he sits at the head of his horde and I have no army," he said. It must run endlessly in his mind, Aeris thought, for his whole world revolved around it. "I will not explain this all again, sister. Lay. Down," he said.
Aeris felt her stomach fall. The girl's feet shuffled across the makeshift floor and she found the small feather bed. She laid down as he told her and she was experienced enough now to know what to expect, "Isn't it wrong to have a child before you are married?" she asked.
Viserys climbed atop her with no care for her comfort. When his eyes locked with hers she understood it was the very wrong thing to say.