Daenerys I

"Marvelous view, is it not dear sister?"

Viserys was staring out over the Bay of Pentos. They stood high above the waters, the steep cliffs around them diving deep, perhaps a half dozen stories down. The cerulean waters beneath them shone underneath the sky, only disrupted by the movement of dozens of little boats cutting along the surface of the sea. The shore of the bay was filled with dozens of more of those ships, with shining white sails flapping along like the wings of the sea birds that spotted the sky above them.

"Yes brother," Dany did not trust his mood, though she understood why it was so high. For so many months, for so many years, they'd been thrown by the winds of fate around the cities of Essos. From Bravos to Pentos to Myr to Lys to Volantis, and then back again to Pentos. Throughout the travels, they'd lost so much, all the jewels and crowns and rich fabrics that had marked them as royals, and were now left to beg. As they sold away those treasures, Viserys had grown fouler and fouler in mind, until it had been rare for him not to beat her for her foolishness.

Yet he was of higher spirit than she'd seen, for they had met Magister Illyrio. The spice trader had met them not two months ago, yet now, they were honored guests at one of his manses. The months had been better than what had come before, but not so much that her brother's anger could not rise in fury at the smallest slight.

"Shall be soon," Viserys continued, his eyes now fixed upon her, "Soon, my dear sister, very soon,'' Danerys could not help but waver under his eyes. She knew about what her brother was referring to. She'd been with he and Illyrio while they discussed marrying her off to a Dothraki horse lord, so that her brother might have an army to cross the narrow sea, and to retake the lands that the usurper had stolen from them.

She had no idea what it was to be like, she only knew it would be perhaps a month or two more before the Khal she was to marry, a warlord by the name of Drogo, would arrive. Then, they would offer her up to him, and Viserys would have his army, and soon a crown to return to his head. The thought of marrying this Khal Drogo drove her to dream to instead be anyone else, even the poor little urchins clinging to the streets just outside the walls of their estate.

Viserys caught her hair, the same white as her brother, and he ran his fingers through it. She remained still, as she knew that at this moment pulling away too quickly might "wake the dragon". So she allowed him play with her hair like some expensive cloth, before he pulled his hand away, and her hair fell once again to her shoulder.

"You should try to eat more," he finally said, and Dany nodded in response, her eyes forward but never meeting his, "You have no meat on you, and I'm sure your husband would prefer for his new bride to have breasts."

Again, she nodded. Viserys turned then, and retreated up the stairs they stood by. For the next moments, she remained there, staring out to the bay. She knew her duty, and no matter how much she wished it not to be hers, she would do so if that was what was needed to restore her family back to where they were supposed to be. No matter how much she dreamed of the house with the red door and the lemon tree, she had her place. Her brother had told her so.

"Princess Daenerys," the voice was soothing, and Dany felt a smile almost burst from her face. She turned her head, and smiled as the older woman strode into her view. This woman, who had first met her three months ago upon arriving in Magister Illyrio's manse, had been so kind to her. Dany felt another hand flow through her hair, yet this time, the fear of a dragon did not burn within her breast.

For what did she have to fear from Mata Seas.

"Princess," the older woman's eyes glanced upward toward where Viserys had retreated, to his rooms where he would spend days planning for his restoration, "Is there anything or anyone causing you discomfort?"

"No Mata," Dany nodded, and reached up her hand to touch the Rhoynish woman's forearm. For a moment, Mata stopped, before sighing and reaching another free hand out to cup Dany's cheek. Still, Mata's greenish eyes bored directly Dany's violet, as though trying to dig out something inside Dany's mind, before her smile fell, before shaking her head, as Dany added, "Really Mata, tis nothing wrong."

"Tis a foolish trait of women of your stock," Mata said, "All you Valyrian women, think yourselves as nothing but tools of men who treat you like a rabble in Cyvasse,"she placed her arms on Dany's shoulders, "Come, come. Your brother is wrong about many things, but a need for more food in your belly tis not one of them."

Dany allowed the dark skinned woman to lead her from the balcony, and towards one of the two dining rooms of the manse. There was the formal hall, where Illyrio would dine with her brother whenever he returned from his voyages, and was used for little else. Then there was a second room, closer to the kitchens, where Mata and the other servants would eat. Viserys had declared that as king he would not sit among the servants for his food, and had his meals delivered to his rooms. Dany had taken to coming to that dining room more often than not, if only to have others to speak to. Many of the servants were kind to Dany, even if only to try and win her favor as a princess.

Dany could see that there were not many servants in today, as she and Mata were the only ones in the small little hall when they entered. Was not unexpected, only she and Viserys were inside the manse for the nonce, and so there was no need beyond a minor staff. Most likely, that would be Mata alone and her two children. This was confirmed by the four plates sitting on the table, meant for Mata, her children, and most likely Dany herself. The plates were far from the princely dishes that her brother demanded his food be delivered in, yet Dany did not find their use so unappealing to deny the company around her.

"Mata," another girlish voice came through the door leading to the kitchens. Mata's smile dipped for just a blink, but it was enough for Dany to catch. However, Mata was always good at pushing her worries down while she was among others, so she quickly began to rush toward the door, while Dany slid over to the chair that was hers. The voice called again, "Mother, I've almost finished the soup. I shall bring it out as soon as it is ready."

"Of course Sheera," Mata called. For a moment, she stopped before continuing, but pushed forward, and then added, "We have our guest, so a fourth bowl please."

The voice from the kitchen did not speak up again, and Dany winced for a moment. She hoped that Sheera wasn't currently spitting in her food, though she suspected that Mata would scold her daughter harshly if she actually did so. Still, she did not wish to encourage such mischief, so she moved swiftly to set herself down in the small seat, a thin cushion providing just a small amount of comfort, and waited patiently as Mata began to place around the table the spoons for the meal.

"Is it coming soon?" Mata asked, as she passed Dany while placing one of those spoons down, "The soup should not take so long."

"Tis coming," Sheera pushed open the door, coming backward with her arms carrying four bowls stacked together in one arm, and a cast iron pot hung from her other. She had a look of concentration, which was expected of one so thin managing to carry so much. As she did so, her black hair did not wave as her mother's did, rather, it seemed to be almost matted, though whether it was just her natural look, or from the time in the kitchen, Dany would never know, "The food is here."

Sheera placed the bowls in front of the four chairs, and then placed the pot in the middle, sitting on three legs shaped like gaping seabass. Dany could not help but lean forward near the pot, allowing the cooked and spiced crab and shrimp stew to waft up her nose. The manse was so wealthy, and with so few guests, that Mata and her children were allowed to eat some of the foods that Illyrio bought for his guests, as long as the guests were fed. Her brother had a tendency to avoid mid-day meals such as this, so they only had to care for Dany herself.

"Your grace," Sheera stated, using a ladle from the pot to pour some soup into the bowl in front of Dany. Dany did not bother to look up at her, as any attempt to speak with the serving girl never brought any warmth. It was not as though Sheera ever said anything outright disrespectful, yet it was clear that Mata's daughter had no care for her. Mata, as she always did, gave Sheera a glare, but the girl had grown so used to that, that eventually the mother could only sigh and shake her head.

"Have you seen your brother?" she finally asked.

"He went out for some supplies," Sheera said, and Dany gripped her dress for a moment, "The Magister had some spices delivered, and he also said he wanted some potatoes and other such things for preparing dinner."

'Yes,' Dany thought, 'Illyrio will be returning soon,' he would need to arrive for the wedding to occur. She felt herself shake for a moment, 'and then I shall be ready to do my duty,' she heard the door open behind her, and her heart became all a flutter as she knew who had arrived, 'No matter the cost.'

Baelon Seas was tall, and composed. His hair was cut well, short and well mannered, unlike many other Rhoynish men. As well, he had no beard, nor even the fuzz of a beard trying to burst free. No, instead his strong cheekbones were clear, around a strong yet boyish face. His complexion was the same as his mother, and unlike his sister, he appeared to have gained her natural good looks. He had a small smile upon his face as he placed a large sack down, and then waved.

"Good day mother," he said, "I am sorry I was out, I was-"

"Doing what the Magister requires of you," Mata walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around Baelon. Dany could not help but feel a spark of envy in her belly as she looked at the embrace, though for the boy or his mother she could not say. It disappeared as Mata let go, and then she looked at him, "Come, eat with us."

"Oh, crab ," the stew seemed to call for him, but he stopped, reached into the bag, and pulled out a large loaf of bread. Mata placed her hand on her hips, "Mother, I'll have you know that Illeana at the stall gave me this along with everything else with no other charge."

"Surely," Sheera spoke up, rolling her eyes, and Baelon gave her a look of hurt. Dany winced slightly at the thought, knowing the pretty woman he was speaking of, one who not only served at selling good flour, but one whose shop was merely the ground floor of the establishment, with the top floors being for…other services. The thought of Baelon with that woman caused the envy to grow even more.

"Oh, like you haven't strayed to search the stores and shops," Baelon spoke up, "I remember you going to that silk store up on the northern side of town," Sheera glared at him, "At least when I go somewhere, it is someplace we can afford to buy things, but those silks are so expensive that only Illyrio or the princess can afford them," at that, Sheera seemed to hitch, a rage behind her eye. All the while, the girl placed her hands further beneath the table.

"We will have to discuss this later, Baelon," Mata said, crossing her arms. The young man opened his mouth to respond, but one look from his mother caused it to close, and for him to nod his own head in ascent. Mata then snorted, before grabbing the bread, "Oh, give me a moment, I'll get us some plates. This stew is beast when you can dip your bread."

As Mata retreated into the kitchen, Baelon turned on his heel, and waltzed toward the table. He pulled out his chair, diagonal from Dany, and sat himself down. He gave her a slight bow, adding another, "Your grace," before turning his attention to the stew, "This does smell excellent," he turned his head to his sister, "Perhaps I should have rushed home just a bit sooner."

"I just got it out," Sheera's snort was loud, but there was a hint of a smile as she stared at Baelon. Baelon's older sister then reached up, and rolled her fingers through his hair, "Though if you keep hurrying, we won't have to worry about you getting fat, even if you do eat like a hog in heat."

"Well at least I look like I eat something," Baelon sniped back, but there was a smirk on his face. Honestly, Dany would agree. While Baelon had clearly adapted to his mother's blood well, taking it on like a perfectly tailored cloak, Sheera was so thin that had she not know her, Dany would have thought the serving girl was an urchin and never fed at all. In comparison to her mother, who was full in breast and hip, poor Sheera looked like she might snap as a twig from a large enough breeze.

'Like me,' Dany considered when Mata returned, her hips swaying as she placed a large plate down in the middle next to the pot, with four smaller platters being tossed next to the bowls of soup.

"Now dig in," the older woman declared, as she took her seat next to Dany. The four of them took the advice to heart, and Dany took time to spoon some of her soup into her mouth. The broth was a mix of salty and creamy, as though the sea was made of milk. She turned her attention to Baelon, who was busy dunking a piece of the inner part of his bread into the stew, and then scarfing it down with his mouth open. Dany then felt a movement beneath the table, and then saw Baelon jump slightly, before glaring toward his mother.

"Must avoid kicks like that," Sheera spoke up, eating her food like Dany than like her brother, perhaps even more formally, at times hiding her hands beneath the table after taking a bite. Baelon gave her a look, before sighing. He returned his attention to his plate. He again dipped the bread into his bowl, but now it was smaller, and he did ate it far more slowly. Mata gave him a nod, before returning to her own food. Dany looked at her bread, and she could imagine how Viserys would look at such manners.

Dany picked up her bread and dunked it in a similar manner. She made a motion of eating it with a closed mouth, looking over at Baelon, who gave her a smile as he continued to eat too. His jaw moved in a strong motion, and each time it went down, she could see a firmer outline of his features. She continued to stare, as he then reached down, and plucked out another finger full of the bread.

"Princess," Mata's voice was hurried. Hearing the worry in Mata's voice, Dany turned her head, and looked at the older woman. Her face was still full of a smile, but there was a worry there now, that Dany found…strange. Still, after a few seconds, the tension seemed to fall off, and Dany was just able to look at the serving woman, "How are you feeling now?"

"I am well," she said, and she meant it. Here, in this room, she was not safe, but she felt safer. It was like the house with the red door, inviting and comforting in a way she could barely remember. She then looked up, "My brother," she caught the shift in looks from Mata and Baelon. Mata's eyes just slightly narrowed at Viserys mention, while Baelon's eyes seemed to roll backwards, "My brother is happier now than he had been in many years," and that was thankfully the truth, "with Magister Illyrio's plan, we are so much closer to our goal."

"Yes," Baelon's voice popped up, "I am sure that he is as happy as a little clam," he had never liked Viserys, though VIserys didn't dislike Baelon, though that was more from Viserys not recognizing the younger man as a man at all.

"Are you feeling well about the plan then?" Mata quickly cut her son off, who blinked at his mother.

"I," Dany took the moment to look down at herself. Her body was still so young, still so needlessly thin, "I think I would feel better if my body were," she looked over at Mata, and at the woman's breasts that threatened to ram into the table every time she adjusted herself in the seat, "I think I might be more ready for my wedding with-"

"Princess," Mata cut her off, "You musn't be too harsh," Dany could see a sharpness come over Mata's eyes, "You are still a girl, barely thirteen name days past. You should not worry about such things."

"What did you expect mother," Baelon spoke up, all the while pouring himself another bowl of the stew, "Tis the crazed work of those Sunset nobles," he then growled, "And certainly those wretched scaly dragons."

"Baelon," Mata snapped, though this was far less harsh than the snap about his time at the bazaar, "You needn't-"

"And for what," Baelon wasn't stopping, "That wretched chair of twisted iron," he tossed a piece of bread into his mouth, and almost immediately swallowed it. He shook his head, and added, "Your brother is marrying you off for a horde of horse, with no boats to help them cross the sea. I highly doubt that horses can make it across a sea, even one that is called Narrow."

"Tis not wretched."

Dany and the other's eyes snapped to Sheera, who was glaring at her brother, a hurt upon her face. For a second it Baelon opened his mouth to respond, but as he gazed longer he closed his mouth. A pause in words came over the meal, as the four of them just sat there. Then Sheera pulled her seat back, and stood up. She marched, empty bowl in hand, over to the kitchen, and then allowed the door to fully close behind her.

'Tis always so strange,' Dany thought as she stared at the closed door, 'After brother, and Illyrio I suppose, I have met no one who so deeply believes in my family's rights as much as Sheera,' which only made the older girl's resentments of Dany all the more baffling, at least in the princess's mind.

After a moment of eating, finally Mata spoke up again, "So dear," her eyes back on her son, "Please tell me what was taking you so long. I hope you did no-"

"No mother," Baelon sighed, placing his bread back down on his plate, "I did not go into Illeana's tavern when I got the bread," there was the faintest dusting of a blush on his face, "I haven't done that in years."

"And it was that lack of years that kept you from possibly producing another generation of bastards," Baelon only blushed further at his mother's words, and Dany could not help but feel a heat rise on her face as well, "Though, it did seem as though you took longer than usual. Is there something I should know."

"Oh," Baelon nodded, before his face gained an inquisitive look, "I almost let it slip my mind," he then looked at his mother, "Mother, there were a set of strangers looking for you."

"...for me."

It wasn't a question. Somehow, the mood had grown even darker than before Sheera had left. Her hands slowly shook as she brought them together, though once together she was able to keep them from shaking. Mata's eyes turned over toward the door to the kitchen, and then back to her son. She nodded at him. Baelon, slightly struck by his mother's strange behavior, coughed, and then continued.

"Well, they were a group of travelers from all over," he continued, "At first, they said they were property appraisers, and that they were seeking to possibly buy the manse-"

"Snrt!" were Mata in a better mood, she might have actually let out a laugh, rather than the ugly snort that burst from her nostrils. Baelon gave a knowing nod at that, but his face remained serious, as did Mata.

"They asked who my name was, which was strange, for who cares what my name is?" Baelon shook his head.

'Illeana does,' Dany thought enviously, before a sadder thought came from deeper within her own mind, 'And I do as well.'

"Anyway, the asked for my name, and not seeing the issue, I told them that," he rubbed his chin, "And then, they were asking about who I was with, and I mentioned your name as well."

"You gave them my name," Mata nearly seemed to shiver, but her eyes remained pointed forward.

"Yes, I told them that you were Mata Seas," he added. Mata's spine seemed to quiver slightly, while Baelon decided to continue, "Well, they tried to hide it, but they were very interested in you. Then, after a moment, they said they would bring the "head appraiser"," Baelon's voice indicated that he knew there was no such person, "Tomorrow, and they hoped that you might be willing to speak to them about introducing them to the Magister."

"Why would I do such a thing?" Mata demanded far too quickly for it to be pushed away. Baelon raised a hand up, before reaching over to the sack he had pulled the bread from. He pulled out a small purse, and then dumped over thirty gold coins onto the table. Mata's eyes widened as she looked at the small mound, "This…this is enough gold for a pleasure galley."

"I had been hoping," Baelon leaned forward, his eyes looking at Dany, "That we might all agree to not mention this to the Magister," Dany felt some worry in the fear he seemed to have for her giving up this information to Illyrio, "This might be very good for possibly paying our debts, and possibly finding a new life outside of these confines."

Dany winced. Pentos was by law a place where slavery had been outlawed after a victory by Bravos to the north. Yet that victory had not been absolute, and most of the servants and smallfolk that populated the rich manses of the city were filled with those who were so in debt that they might be slaves. Baelon had obviously hoped that by taking this bribe, which was what the purse clearly was, that they might be one step closer to gaining their freedom. The thought both delighted and terrified Dany, for her friends might be free, yet that freedom might take them away from her.

"Baelon," Mata looked at her son, who looked back at him. Her eyes seemed sad more than anything else, as though the mere mention of them leaving this was so far off to be unbelievable, "I understand your discomfort," she placed a hand on her son's shoulder, "But this…what am I to tell them? That Illyrio is out now, and I can guarantee nothing," she shook her head, "No, you shall have to return these funds to them this afternoon, and then tell them that they will have to wait until Illyrio himself returns."
"I cannot mother," Baelon replied, shrugging his shoulders. When Mata was about to speak up, he cut her off, "They left quickly as I took the purse, and they did not tell me where they are, only that they would be back tomorrow as a full group," at that, Mata let out a groan, before resting her head in her hands, rubbing the bridge of her nose in defeat.

"Magnificent," she said through her fingers, before lifting her head, "Tell me, did they have the symbol of a sun?"
"No?" Baelon had a strange look on his face. And this look also seemed to come over Mata's face as well. For a moment they blinked, "Did you…did you expect them to be from Dorne then?"

Dany knew that Mata's family had been from Dorne, as much as she was willing to explain her past. It was obvious, she was Rhoynish in complexion, though the worry Mata had for the ruling family of Dorne seemed…peculiar. After all, the Martell's were among the most loyal of all of the houses to her family. They had sent ten thousand to die against the usurper at the Battle of the Trident.

"Never you mind that," Mata waved her hand, and then said, "Tell me, what did they look like then" the question seemed to be honest, and Baelon nodded at it.

"Well, they were like if you robing, a gull, a raven and an owl and had them fly south for the winter," Baelon rubbed his chin, "There were three women, one man, and one boy there," he stopped, "The man and the boy were both Andalic," he said, "Though they had bright blue hair, and it seemed natural coloring to me."

"Possibly from first men," Mata spoke up, her eyes moving around faster and faster, "Some of them are said to have strange hair colorings," she shook her head, "Indeed, I know the story of one Northman who rode at the Battle of the Bells," she winced then at the mention of the rebellion but did not return her eyes back to Dany to offer any sort of apology, "Apologies your grace."

Dany could only nod. It was a battle in the past, one she had not been even conceived during.

"I highly doubt it twas the hound of the North," Baelon added, "Though he did have a cloak on, so I could not see any sigil of his."

"There would be no reason for him to be here anyway," Mata spoke up quickly once more, "Now, please continue Baelon, what of the three women?"

"Well, they were all of different races from each other and from the men," Baelon raised one finger, "The first was a woman of dark skin, but twas different than pure Rhoynish. She also had a Ghiscari accent, so I imagine she was from Slaver's Bay," at the widened eyes of Mata, he continued, "Then, there was another woman from the east. I had only seen one before, but that woman was undeniably from Yi Ti from my knowledge and thought," Mata was only growing more confused, before Baelon leaned in toward both his mother and Dany, "And then, the third woman was of ash gray hair and golden eye."

"An Ash Valyrian," Mata whispered, and Dany blinked. She looked expectantly at Mata, who said, "one of your people born with strange colorings. A curse of the fourteen flames for the arrogance of Old Valyria."

"I see," Dany gave a short nod. Viserys was proud of his blood and his lineage, yet he had never truly seemed to care about anything beyond the Targaryen's themselves. To him, the only times he mentioned Old Valyria had been in remarking in its foolish unwillingness to follow the warnings of their ancestors.

"Well," and then Dany saw the blush return to Baelon's dark features, "She was a beauty, as they are," Mata almost seemed to grown, "But they claimed that they were working for a man of great influence, and that they would be bringing him tomorrow for the interview."

For a moment, Mata just sat there, her fingers locked together as she thought about what had just been said. Finally, she nodded, and it seemed as some of the fear had left her shoulders and back, as she leaned forward.

"Well, with such a group, perhaps they will have enough money to offer to buy this place," she reached one hand back, to rub at the side of her head, "I shall just have to give them a run around, keep them busy until Illyrio himself may arrive to end this foolery."

"Yes mother," Baelon said simply, smiling upon seeing the fear leave his mother, "Thank you for your understanding."

"Tis no trouble," she then stood up, "Now come Baelon, with a meal in our bellies, we may finish up our chores for the day," she then turned to Dany, "Princess, we must leave you now. Our duties must be fulfilled. It was a pleasure to share our meal with you, your grace," she then bowed her head low, and Baelon followed. Dany could only nod, and before she could say anymore, the servants were off, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

The sun had truly set over toward the kingdom they had claimed as their own. Now the only light illuminating the Bay of Pentos was of the Moon and Stars. It was a half moon tonight, but the stars were bright, and this high up, it was more than easy to see the massive waves of lights crashing into one another above her head.

'Sunset,' Dany considered, her eyes to the West. The thought of the Seven Kingdoms, of the Iron Throne and the usurper who sat upon it…made her consider her upcoming wedding. She reached down to grab the hem of her gown, the thought of a tall smelly man, who looked quite like a horse he would ride, crossed her mind, "Gods…If I must marry a man, I hope he does not look like that," she shivered, 'Better a pretty one like Baelon. If I must spend my whole life with a man, I should like him to be good to look at.'

Still, there wasn't much else to do. Illyrio had already explained his plan to Viserys, and her brother had accepted it and set forward to use it for the restoration of his kingdom, no matter what she might want. So instead of meeting a pretty man like Baelon, and living a civilized life, she would be expected to ride horses for the rest of her life. It made her want to rip her gown, but she knew that it was expensive, and it might awaken the dragon in her brother.

'Tis not my place to question,' she thought, before turning away from the view, and looking back at the rooms she was to stay in, quite near her brothers. She had not seen him since the morning, and…and she would like to keep it that way. She instead turned her head back down toward the kitchens. Part of her told herself that she shouldn't wish to awaken Mata and her children. Yet the other part of her said there was nothing else to do, and at least checking would keep her out of her rooms for a time longer.

Unfortunately, when she arrived, the door to the kitchen was locked. Which made sense, no need to allow some thief to come and steal food overnight. Yet that meant it was impossible for her to see Mata again, and that left her quite alone. The thought of calling out came over her mind, though she pushed it down, not wishing to burden the servants anymore than they already were.

So instead, she turned and walked up to a small staircase along the wall near the city. There were a few viewing platforms along the walls to provide guards with the chance to look over and check out any disturbance in the city, and she used it for a chance to stare out at the city, at least providing a different view.

The city itself still had lights sprinkled around the buildings. Mostly, they were taverns, with lantern oil burning to keep the ale and wine and women flowing. Then there were some parties from around the city, as the easy nature of the people there was not often ended by the setting of the sun. Yet despite that, there just wasn't much to take in. Really, it was getting late, and she would nee-

"So you have managed to find one of our missing servants?"

Dany stopped, and gleaned downward. Two men in cloaks were standing against the wall. One of them pointed at the wall, and then said, in a different voice from the one she had first heard.

"Yes, I know Mata Hari is in this estate right here."

'Mata,' Dany dove as low as she could, while still listening in. Could these be the men from earlier, 'If they are, why are they here right now though? Would they not be coming in the morning.'

"At least you managed to find this one easily enough," the first voice spoke up, "Though really, with everything we are working on in the far north, I had been hoping you would have managed more Mairu," there was no real frustration in his voice, though there was a danger that seemed to float off the mere existence of the words he just spoke.

"Your excellency," the second voice, Mairu, had picked up on the danger as well, "I assure you, the plan was working," he then began to sputter, "I had four servants in the palm of my hand, even with the unexpected presence of the counter guardian."

HA

Dany nearly vomited. The world around her rumbled at the bare hint of that chuckle, and she had to do her best to keep from falling backwards from the boom of the sound. It was then she determined she would dare not look back down, and as soon as she was able, retreat back to her rooms and lock every bit of that door till morning.

"The counter-guardian," the voice laughed, no longer shaking the world with each syllable, "Yes, though one would think you'd beat him down easily enough with that ruler you made."

"That ruler had a mind of his own," Mairu stammered, but stayed as firm as he could, "Grazdan the Great. He was obsessed with domination, wouldn't let me seal any of them, and then Nitocris managed to cut him down and Arash blew the rest of him up," there was a pause, "Please, understand your excellency-"

"My dear mage," the words were full of cruel mirth, "Do not worry yourself," Dany felt worry grow inside her, "Remember, we allow three strikes for our subordinates. As long as you manage this one, well, we should be fine. Now, tell me, are the guests here?"

"Yes," Mairu was firmer now, his place regained, "Both those of this plane and…and of Chaldea," suddenly, there was an anger in the one's voice, "Your Excellency, I believe I could finish this now if you would just allow me-"
"No no," the deeper voice spoke, "Ritsuka Fujimaru is not to be touched," the cruel mirth was more audible than ever, "My partner has needs of him. Just remember the plan, and we shall have our next servants for the coming conquest."

"Yes…your excellency."

With that the voices stopped then, and Dany heard them wander off. Once she could no longer hear their steps, Dany pushed herself down the stairs, and scampered up to her rooms. There, as she had sworn to herself, she turned her attention to every lock she could find, and then made sure to place a small shelf in front of the door as well, just for some additional blocking. Once having done that, she sat down on her bed, and then laid her head on the sheets.

'They want Mata for something,' she thought her mind racing through the possibilities, 'and…and they knew things. I just know they do,' her mind was filled with the image of the kindly older woman, 'I hope she will be unharmed by them, no matter what they plan for her. Seemed as though they had some strange mag-'

And it was then, she saw in the window toward the bay, a face. She could not make out its features, only its eyes, which seemed to have two stars from the sky above serving as its pupils. Slowly, the figure brought its finger to its face, and placed it where its lips would be.

Shush

Dany would not remember anything else for the rest of the evening. She did not remember pulling herself under the covers, or even when the face left. All she knew was that in the morning, she was drenched in a deep sweat, and that she was at least still breathing.

After what she had seen, that was something to be thankful for.

"So the group is coming soon?" Dany asked, standing next to the door alongside Baelon. Baelon nodded at that, his eyes focused. Clearly, he was ready to do his best to try and see if he could get more money toward paying off his debt, but that would be difficult.

Dany had been able to assist Baelon today instead of working with her brother, which made her thankful. Still, the thought of being near the walls when those like Mairu and the deep voice might also be out there, waiting for her. Though she was fairly sure that the deep voice could have ended her if they had desired to.

"Ah, here they come," he pointed down the street, and then they were coming. And as Baelon had said, they were from all over. The woman of Yi Ti and the one from Slaver's Bay were obvious, as were the Andalic man and his son. The Ash Valyrian was undeniably exotic, though Dany could not help but be put off by the appearance of this genetic accident.

Yet among them were two more. One was a young man, in a plain tunic. But he was unimportant, especially in consideration of the tall man in the middle. He was bronze of skin, and snow of hair. His chiseled body showed through even the heavy robes he wore, and his face maintained a quiet dignity of indifference.

What was most shocking, however, was what happened when her eyes went from the new arrival to Baelon. They had more in common than should have been possible, from the skin tone to the smile. Dany shivered as she watched him walk up to Baelon and her.

"Good morrow," the new man attempted a formal greeting, but quickly pushed it away, "Tis a pleasure to meet you. I am the property appraiser."

"Tis a pleasure to meet you as well," Baelon responded. Dany could see in Baelon's eyes some kind of shock, mixed with what seemed to be an attempt to get his head around the idea of another man looked like him not meaning anything. Still though, it must be surreal. However, Baelon persevered, "May I have a name, no one mentioned it yesterday."

"My name is Emiya, and I am from Asshai by the Shadows," the man said, "Now, if you will take us in," he smiled at Dany directly, "I would like to speak with your mother. Tis an urgent matter."