Was it normal to feel so conflicted? Daenerys wondered as she was prepared for her wedding to the mighty Khal Drogo. She was being sold, if looked at plainly, but she kept trying to tell herself it was for a greater cause. Her brother Viserys needed the ten thousand warriors Drogo had promised him in return for her hand, and the golden crown that would come with it would certainly help too. A king coming back to his kingdom should have something to adorn his head, everyone was agreed on this, and yet Dany still had her doubts. Even if given these Dothraki warriors, will my brother be able to lead them across the sea to reclaim what is ours? He talks much, but acts little and is as proud as he is bitter these days. I hardly recognize the boy he used to be. I wish he would come back, but I fear he may be long gone, just like our mother...
Sighing, her eyes wandered across the room before settling on the red-headed woman only known as Halyn, who was standing in a corner of the room. She wore the clothing normally seen on a male Dothraki warrior, which consisted of a painted vest over her breasts that she bore without the smallest hint of shame, a pair of pants covering her nether regions, and curiously-wrought leather boots that she'd told Dany were worn by the nomads of the Red Waste who were rarely seen outside of the trading posts in Vaes Dothrak once a moon turn. In spite of her eccentric choice in garb, Halyn had proved a strong fighter when Ser Jorah himself had tested her skills in combat. He said later he hadn't had such a challenge since leaving Bear Island, and then had gone silent and sad.
Shaking herself from her thoughts, she cleared her throat. "Halyn, would you come here, please?"
"What is it you wish of me, princess?" The red-headed warrior asked, kneeling beside Dany.
"I know Magister Illyrio bought you to protect me till I wed, but I feel that I will have need of you even after. Will you serve me?"
Halyn's vibrant green eyes never faltered as she replied: "As far as I see it, I am yours to command whether Illyrio wishes it or not. But yes, I shall serve you. All that I am capable of and possess are ours, princess." She made a fist over her heart, a gesture which was a salute or sign of respect in most customs of the slaves here.
Dany sighed in relief. "I am glad. I do not know how I would manage in the khalasar without a familiar face that I can trust."
"Can you trust me, princess?" Halyn almost sounded amused, her lips twitching as if she wanted to smile.
Dany considered her for a long moment, then smiled. "Yes."
"Then you will not find the khalasar dificult." Halyn smiled at last in return, standing up. "Between myself and the handmaids that have been purchased for you as well, you will adapt quickly."
"Quickly enough to get my brother his army?"
Halyn rose an elegant brow. "You are viewed as a gift, princess. Yes, the khal will give his own gifts to Viserys, but in his own time and not before. Whether it is soon or not, even the wisest cannot say."
Dany chewed at her bottom lip, knowing Halyn spoke the truth. "Can I influence the khal for it to be sooner?"
"Perhaps, if you make him happy."
"How does one make a horselord happy?"
"A young woman named Doreah has been assigned to teach you that, princess."
"But I asked you."
Halyn made a soft sound that might have been a sigh or a snort, Dany wasn't sure which. "Dothraki are not like ordinary men who are simply pleased by the spreading of legs and wet sexes to slip their manhoods into. Oh for one night, perhaps even a week it will do, but the fact of the matter remains that they can get that from any woman any where in Essos, willing or no. You must show that you are blood of the dragon, prove that you are more than all those women they can mount whenever it pleases them, and most importantly of all you cannot show fear or flinch from any task presented to you. The Dothraki despise the weak and those that cower, while they respect those that stand their ground and are fierce." She paused, tilting her head to one side as if considering something. "And while I am no stranger to bodily pleasure princess, Doreah can teach you more about that aspect than I. Trust her in this and what I have said, and your Khal will love you as furiously as he loves his red stallion."
Dany could think of nothing more to say, for Halyn's council was as good as it was sound. Blunt as always, the red headed warrior had left Dany without questions and many thoughts. She nodded her thanks, then her brother came in. He looked resplendant in the new tunic Magister Illyrio had given him, and for once he was actually smiling. "Viserys." She held her hands out to him.
"Sweet sister." He returned, taking her hands with his and giving them a squeeze as he looked her over. "You are beautiful. Come, it is time for you to wed."
"Yes." Dany resolutely pushed her shoulders back and smiled for her brother. "It is time."
"He was gentle." Were the first words out of Dany's mouth when she reunited with Halyn the morning after her first ride with Drogo. Her sex still ached from the love-making that had followed, but it was more good than bad, and she found herself wanting more despite the pain.
"And this surprises you, khaleesi?" Halyn called Dany by her new title, raising a dark brow.
"I thought the Dothraki were... rougher."
Halyn shrugged. "They can be, yes. It is no secret the men can be violent in couplings, but I had a feeling your khal would spare you that at least on the first night, knowing you were a maiden still."
Dany blushed faintly under her silver hair. "I have asked Doreah to stay for supper in my tent tonight, to prepare for when he needs to be... you know."
Halyn smirked. "A wise decision, khaleesi."
"What is?" Ser Jorah asked as he joined them, wearing a dark green tunic with a black bear over his Westerosi armor.
"Halyn was just approving of my asking Doreah to have supper with me." Dany explained, knowing she didn't have to go into more details with the knight.
He nodded. "She is a kind girl from what I have heard tell, I think you will enjoy her company, khaleesi."
There was silence for a long while as they rode, then the khalasar stopped and made camp for the night. It was a rhythm Dany thought she could get used to, even if it was strange. These are my people now, their ways are my ways. She greeted her handmaids kindly, though she was sore from riding all day. They were all going through the same things, there was no reason to be unpleasant. She sat down at dinner with Doreah, a blond Lysene girl with blue eyes, and they talked all through the meal of things that made Dany's cheeks red. When they were finished, Doreah retired to her tent and Dany waited for her new husband. When he came in, she stood, remembering what Halyn had said the day of her wedding. I will show him that I am blood of the dragon, and that I am the only one for him. She thought in determination as she let her dress slide from her body.
In the morning, she lay in his strong arms, contented. She didn't want to ever move, though the khalasar would be breaking camp the moment their khal emerged from his tent. In sleep, Drogo's normally stern face looked soft, lacking the fierceness that was usually present, and Dany knew this was a rare moment. She traced patterns on his chest absently, smiling when his eyes fluttered open to meet hers. He gave her a returning smile, hands caressing her till she was wet for him again. Their coupling was over as quickly as it had began, their pleasure almost instantaneous. She sighed as they rose from the animal skins, giggling when he swatted her butt teasingly. She pushed him in reply, selecting some Dothraki garb instead of her fragile, expensive clothes from Pentos. She wanted to keep them nice for special occasions, and Drogo looked pleased when he saw what she was wearing, so that settled her every day attire problem.
She mounted her silver with a little less difficulty than the day before, trying to keep back the giddy expression on her face when Drogo beckoned for her to ride beside him. She did just that, catching Halyn's eyes as the woman came beside her on her horse. Leaning over, she whispered: "Is he happy?"
"Only you can answer that, khaleesi." Halyn replied mischievously, winking.
Dany laughed softly, having somewhat expected that. Halyn never told you what you could discover for yourself. "He's getting that way... and so am I."
Halyn smiled. "And that is the most important thing of all."
"Why's that?"
"The Dothraki have a saying that roughly translates to: 'When the moon is happy, so are the sun and stars'. Basically it means one always effects the other, and that is how it has always been in life, no matter what you speak of."
Dany nodded thoughtfully, considering all that her female guardian had said as they rode through the Dothraki Sea.