"Ser Jorah, I request your council." Dany called. They had been marching for 3 days now and Yunkai was only 2 more days away.
"What do you need your grace?" Jorah asked as he walked over to her.
Currently the Unsullied were camped by a river. Dany was with her dragons and Missandei while Thomas was nowhere to be seen. Jorah worried for the lad. He had been very distant recently and much more violent in his spars. Even Dany couldn't get more than three words out of him at a time.
"I need to know what to do about Thomas." Dany stated. "It is clear Irri's death is bothering him greatly but even I can't seem to help him. He hovers around me like I am made of glass and barely speaks to me." She sighed in defeat.
"I do not know Khaleesi, all I can offer is patience." Jorah looked around. "Where is he now?"
"Off collecting the officers so that they may pick their leader." Dany said.
"He will not be their military commander?" Jorah asked. He had thought the young lad would lead her armies while he and Barristan acted as her personal advisers.
Dany shook her head. "I offered it to him but he refused. Stating that a man who kills his own men have no right to lead them." Dany chuckled. It held no amusement. "He thinks they hate him for killing one of their own before we freed them."
Jorah thought for a moment. "It makes sense. They very well could and that would mean disaster for you." Dany looked up at him questioningly. "If they don't respect him they may not follow all his orders. They could turn on him in the midst of battle, or just ignore him entirely. Dissension must be punished but when a whole army chooses not to follow, you die." Right as Jorah finished speaking Barristan walked up to them.
"My Queen, Thomas has gathered the officers at the front of the column as you requested." He gave her a short bow.
"Thank you Ser Barristan. I shall ride up immediately." Dany smiled as she got on her horse. Jorah and Barristan did the same and soon rode to the front. Missandei rode next to Daenerys and soon Jorah and Barristan were trading old war stories.
"Missandei, what do you think I should do about Thomas?" Dany asked. After talking to Jorah she figured another female opinion might help.
"…..I would talk to him you grace." Missandei began after a moment's hesitation. "If I was as close to him as you, I would hold him close and just talk. Talk about something you both like doing or your day. Something to just let him relax. Eventually he will open up to you." Dany watched Missandei who blushed and looked away nervously.
"Thank you Missandei, I might just do that." Dany smiled at her and soon the duo arrived at the sight where Thomas arranged the officers.
Thomas stood in front of their formation at attention while they did the same. Dany soon rode up and dismounted.
"These are the ones?" She asked Thomas, going into her Queen mode.
"Yes your grace, these are the officers." Thomas nodded towards the men who stamped their spears on the ground.
"You did not choose this life. But you are free men now and free men make their own choices. Have you selected your own leader form your own ranks?" Dany asked as she surveyed the men. None spoke or moved for a moment. But eventually they parted, leaving one lone soldier standing in the middle.
"Remove your helmet and step forward." Thomas ordered. The unsullied stuck his spear in the sand and did as commanded. When he was a few feet from Daenerys he stopped.
"This one has the honor."
"What is your name?" Dany asked.
"Grey worm." Dany's eyes widened slightly. Missandei looked normal while Thomas was oblivious to what they were saying.
"Grey worm." Dany mumbled before turning to Missandei.
"All unsullied boy are given new names when they are cut." Missandei answered the unasked question. "Grey worm. Red flea, black rat. Names that remind them what they are. Vermin."
Dany turned back to the unsullied. "From this day forward, you will choose your own names. You will tell your fellow soldiers to do the same. Throw away your slave name. Choose the name your parents gave you or any other. A name that give you pride."
"Grey worm gives me pride. It is a lucky name." Grey worm replied. "Thomas raised an eyebrow when Dany tensed slightly. "The name this one was born with was cursed. That was the name he had when he was taken as a slave. But grey worm is the name this one had when Daenerys Stormborn set him free." Dany nodded her head.
"Then you shall command the Unsullied." Grey worm nodded. "You answer only to me and Thomas, no one else. Is that understood?" Grey nodded again. "Then you are dismissed. Tell the men we leave shortly." Grey nodded again. Dany motioned for Thomas and Missandei to get on their horses. She did the same and soon were riding forward with the army at their back.
"Thomas, when we make camp I would like to speak with you privately." Dany ordered, not giving him any room to disagree.
"Yes your grace." He nodded his head stiffly.
*Later that night*
"You wanted to speak to me your grace?" Thomas entered Dany's tent cautiously.
"Yes Thomas, do come here please." Dany smiled up at him. She was currently in her sleeping attire and laying down on her bed. Thomas blushed and looked away.
"Your grace, your clothes." Thomas coughed.
"Thomas come here." Dany sighed. When he didn't move her voice hardened. "Thomas look at me." Hearing the commanding tone of her voice he shifted his gaze back to her, trying desperately to keep his eyes on hers. Sure he had glimpsed her body over the years but that was before she became a woman and Viserys took control of her upbringing. "Now, come lay next to me. I promise I won't do anything you don't want me to. Remove your sword and armor first though." She commanded again. Thomas nodded and unbuckled his sword. Laying against a small table he started removing his leather armor that he picked up before they left Astapor. Once that was done he was left in a clean white shirt and brown pants that he changed into before coming here. Slowly entering the small bed Dany forced him to lay on his back while she cuddled up to him.
"What do you want?" Thomas asked uncertainly as Dany hummed a tune.
"I just want to lay here for a little while." Dany stated, her eyes closed. "Maybe talk, maybe just sleep. It's up to you."
"Dany I don't want to talk about Irri ok? I thought I told you this already." Thomas groaned. While he knew he wasn't the most reasonable guy right now, he definitely thought he was acting pretty normal. It didn't help with all the pity Jorah, Barristan and Dany had thrown him these past few days.
"I never said we would talk about her." Dany hummed. "You made it very clear you were over that. I meant just talk in general. It has been awhile since we just sat down and had a chat. I never did tell you about that book you got me for my wedding to Drogo." Dany's eyes remained closed as Thomas stared at her. "If you want to talk just talk, if not we can lay here all night." Dany snuggled closer.
They stayed that way for a long time eventually Dany thought Thomas had fallen asleep. She was about to do just that too if he hadn't started shaking. Taking deep breaths Thomas finally let the tears he had been holding these past few days out. A few sobs escaped him as Dany tightened her hold on him. For an hour he cried. Dany just laid there humming a soothing melody hoping her best friend would be alright.
After what felt like forever Thomas finally settled down. Taking in a deep breath he looked towards Dany and theirs eyes met. "Thank you Dany I'm so sorry I kept you up." He looked away in shame.
She gently grabbed his chin and moved his head so they were looking at each other again. "Don't ever apologize for needing to let go." She kissed his cheek causing him to blush. "I will always be here for you. Now is there anything you want to talk about?"
Thomas was silent for a few moments. "Well, I am curious about how that book ended." He mumbled.
"Well then, let me tell you." Dany smiled as she began retelling the adventures of 7 individuals out to save their home.
*few days later*
After their nightly chat Dany invited Thomas once more to her tent the next night. They talked again and by the time they reached Yunkai, he was back to normal. Maybe a bit more serious at times but no longer shutting people out.
"Yunkai, the yellow city." Jorah stated as they walked along a rocky cliff. Below them laid the city of Yunkai. And true to Jorah's word, it looked yellow.
"Doesn't seem very impressive." Thomas stated from his spot besides Daenerys.
"The Yunkish breed bed slaves, not soldiers. They aren't a big threat to us." Barristan confirmed.
"We can defeat them on the field with ease, but they won't meet us on the field." Jorah stated. Thomas eyed him as he heard some hostility. "They will stay behind their walls and wait us out. Picking us off one by one."
"I don't want half my army killed before I've crossed the narrow sea." Dany growled, gazing over the slave city.
"We don't need Yunkai Khaleesi." Jorah raised an eyebrow. "Taking the city will not bring you any closer to Westeros or the Iron throne."
"But it will give her experience on the field of battle. Experience she is lacking." Thomas spoke up, crossing his arms. "Plus, killing slavers will make her look wonderful to the people of Westeros."
"How many slaves are in Yunkai?" Dany asked.
"200,000 if not more." Jorah thought.
"Then we have 200,000 reasons to take this city." Dany turned and walked away, talking to Grey worm as she went.
"You've been encouraging this haven't you?" Jorah accused Thomas once they were alone. Ser Barristan was all that remained and he stayed back a few paces to watch.
"Hardly. I have only told her what I think about this situation. Taking this city may help her in the long run. Besides who cares if a few slavers burn before we get to Westeros." Thomas turned to leave but Jorah grabbed his shoulder.
"Don't use her heart to get revenge Thomas. If you hurt her I will put you down." Jorah gaze was hard and steady. Thomas matched with an equally fierce look.
"Careful old man, else I be tempted to put down the slaver in front of me." Thomas ripped out of his grasp and walked away Barristan followed soon after.
A couple hours later word had arrived that Yunkai had sent a representative to discuss surrender. Dany quickly had her Dothraki erect a suitable tent for her and her entourage. Thomas was pleasantly surprised to see the dragons inside with them. Drogon sniffed in his direction when he entered while Rhaegal practically tackled him. Viserion generally ignored him in favor of cleaning himself.
"Dragons to greet the representative?" He inquired earning a small smirk from Dany.
"They wanted to stay in the shade, and what mother could refuse her adorable children." She smiled in mock innocence. Thomas snorted before quickly standing at attention as he noticed the basket carried by slaves approaching.
Being set down just outside the pavilion, the master cautiously steppe out. Eyeing the unsullied he made his way in only to stop when he saw the dragons. Drogon next to Dany, Viserion on a pedestal and Rhaegal clinging to Thomas's back. The man might have laughed at how ridiculous it looked if the beast wasn't so intimidating.
"Now comes the noble Razdoul ne Harez an ancient and honorable house." Missandei introduce the noble as he came to a halt in front of Daenerys. "Master of men and speaker to savages comes to offer terms of peace." The dragons screeched when he got a little too close for their liking and he wisely halted. Missandei turned towards Razdoul. "Noble lord you are in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of house Targaryen, queen of the andals and the first men, Khaleesi of the great grass sea, breaker of chains and mother of dragons." While Missandei was announcing titles the two rulers stared each other down. Dany had an amused look on her face while Razdoul glared at her.
"You may approach." Dany motioned directly in front of her and a chair was brought for Razdoul to sit. "Sit."
Missandei walked over with a pitcher and cup. "Would the noble lord like refreshment?" He nodded and soon drank the offered beverage.
When he put the cup down he began his speech. "Ancient and glorious is Yunkai. Our empire was old before Dragons stirred in old Valyria." Dany nodded her head slightly at Thomas who ever so slightly opened a vase, took out a piece of meat and prepared to toss it aside. He could feel Rhaegal tense on his back and soon regretted letting the dragon stay there. "Many and army has broken against our walls. You will find no easy conquest here Khaleesi." When he finished talking Thomas tossed the meat to the side and the dragons lunged for it. Drogon and Viserion got to it first while Rhaegal practically threw Thomas to the ground. Razdoul flinched as the dragons screeched and flew to get the meat.
"Good, my unsullied need practice, I was told to blood them early." Dany raised her eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by the speech.
"If blood is your desire, blood shall flow. But why?" Razdoul leaned forward. "It is true you have committed savageries in Astapor but the Yunkai are a forgiving and generous people." Thomas rolled his eyes and he could tell Dany wanted to do the same. Razdoul smirked before clapping his hands. Immediately two sets of slaves came forward carrying chests. "The wise masters of Yunkai have sent a gift for the silver queen." Thomas raised an eyebrow at the fitting title. Once the slaves opened the chests bars of gold were shown to fill them to the brim. "There is far more than this awaiting you on the deck of your ship."
"My ship?" Dany asked amused and slightly surprised. Thomas admitted he didn't see that coming and wondered if it was a trap.
"Yes Khaleesi, as I said we are a generous people. You shall have as many ships as you require." As Razdoul spoke Thomas saw Jorah tense and glance towards Dany. The man had always been against their campaign here and was probably hoping Dany would take the free ships and gold.
"And what do the good lords of Yunkai ask in return?" Thomas asked when he noticed nobody was speaking. Dany glanced at him before returning her focus on Razdoul.
"What we ask is that you make use of these ships. Sail them back to Westeros where you belong and leave us to conduct our affairs in peace." Dany looked over the slaves who knelt by the chests and the ones who stood by the basket which held Razdoul.
"I have a gift for you as well." Dany said happily. Razdoul also smiled thinking she would agree. "Your life." He frowned in confusion while she continued to smile pleasantly. "And the lives of your wise masters but I also want something in return." Dany couldn't stop the small smirk from forming on her lips. "You will release every slave in Yunkai. Every man woman and child shall be given as much food, clothes and property as they can carry as payment for their years in servitude. Reject this gift and I shall show you no mercy." Thomas smirked as he fiddled with his sword.
"You are mad." Razdoul growled. "We are not Astapor or Quarth. We are Yunkai and we have powerful friends, friends who would like nothing more than to destroy you. Those who survive we shall enslave again. Perhaps we shall make a slave of you as well." He angrily stood up causing the dragons to roar and bare their fangs at him. Thomas gripped his sword and noticed Barristan and Jorah do the same. "I was promised safe conduct."
"I did, but my dragons made no such promises and you threatened their mother." Dany glared back at him now.
"Take the gold." He ordered angrily. The slaves moved to do so but Drogon and Rhaegal flung themselves over the chest scaring the slaves away.
"My gold. You gave it to me remember?" Dany taunted as the noble shuffled back. "And I shall put it to good use. You would be wise to do the same with my gift to you." Dany clearly dismissed the man. Mumbling angrily Razdoul left in a hurry. When he was gone Thomas chuckled.
"I swear he almost pissed himself when the dragons screeched." Thomas eagerly scratched the back of Rhaegal's head. "You handled yourself very well Dany. I'm impressed. Although I do hope they refuse your offer."
"Thank you Thomas but why do you hope they refuse my offer?" She inquired.
"Scum like him deserve to burn. Especially when they threaten the mother of dragons." Thomas answered evenly.
"You would have her turn into the mad king?" Barristan asked.
"No, I would have her turn into a leader to be feared and respected around the world." Thomas glared at him. "Killing your enemies gains you both." Barristan huffed in annoyance. Dany thought on that statement before turning towards Barristan.
"What friends was he talking about?"
"I don't know your grace but I can find out." Barristan moved towards the entrance.
"Please do. I don't want any surprises tomorrow."
So sorry for the long wait everybody! It is completely my fault! I just lost the will to write and when I finally got a little of it back my life hit a brick wall and had a few breakdowns. Anyway I got somewhat over it and forced myself to watch game of thrones again to get into it. Anyway hopefully this is up to your standard and next chapter should finish up season 3! So leave a review if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns. Or PM me that's fine as well. Have a lovely day/night!
On a side note I used my way of grieving for Thomas so if it seems odd to you that's probably why. I prefer to be alone for a while before having someone attempt to get close to me and even then, I just want quiet company.