The Dothraki rode to Pentos, one of the nine Free Cities in Essos. It was a large port city with more population than Astapor, surrounded by high walls that were merely for show rather than defense, and offered posh manses to Dothraki lords like Kahl Drogo in exchange for not raiding their people. There, a ship and crew were paid for with trade goods, and Viserys himself wrote the proclamation of his intent to take back the Iron Throne for House Targaryen.
"A bold statement without an army." Magister Illyrio mused over the feast he hosted for the proud prince, his sister, and her handmaidens including Doreah. "Though those in Westeros will have no idea it is a bluff, and any allies in hiding will be given hope. What are the Kahl's feelings on this, Kahleesi?"
"He will support this venture, though he thinks swords would sooner prove the point."
"He is not wrong, however, I do believe that tact has its merits. The idea alone of the threat his kahlasar poses to all those besides the North and perhaps House Lannister would make most be more than happy to say they will support Prince Viserys's return. Nevertheless, you need a bride as well in order to become a king."
"Long ago, our guardian Ser Willem Darry of Braavos arranged a betrothal between Princess Arianne Martell and myself. That is assuming her elder brother Prince Oberyn will still honor the pact he signed."
"Indeed. I would recommend sending a crow at once to the Martells, inquiring if they intend to keep the promise they made. If yes, Princess Arianne could sail here and become your wife. You two can dwell in one of my manses while your decree goes forth, stirring up support in those displeased by the Userper's reign."
Doreah kept her thoughts to herself, though being tossed aside for some princess in Westeros didn't help her aching heart. She retired to the room she and Halyn shared, tossing and turning most of the night while the redheaded woman slept soundly.
Dawn found them boarding the ship for what Ser Jorah called Eastwatch, saying it was a port tower of the Night's Watch accessible by the Bay of Seals. She only half-listened as he spoke of that and had already written to Commander Cotter Pyke who was in charge there as well as his father the Lord Commander of the Wall.
As they sailed, Doreah noticed that Jorah and Halyn spent more and more time together, so she gave them all the space she could aboard the small vessel. Days blended together, the air gradually got colder, and the couple asked the captain of the ship to give them a formal wedding with Doreah and the crew as witnesses.
"I appreciate you helping me, Doreah." Halyn commented as they used the captain's cabin to get ready. "I admit I have not worn a dress since I was very little and have forgotten how one is supposed to don it."
"It is my pleasure. Every girl should feel special on the most important day of her life." She braided the other woman's fiery hair into a Lynese style. "That gown of mine is much more flattering on you. You may keep it if you like."
"Thank you. I hope to return the favor someday."
"That probably won't happen for quite a while."
"One never knows what may come to us in the future. If one had told me that I would find myself in love with Jorah, I may not have believed it. Attracted to him, certainly, though I doubted it would amount to anything."
"My mother used to say love is like the tide, it can come and go with a gentle flow, or it will crash in with the sheer force of nature, and we like the sand are at its mercy."
"How poetic."
They walked out to the deck together where everyone else waited for them.
"It has been a long time since I was asked to perform a wedding, so I ask for some understanding in the matter if I am not as eloquent as a priest" The captain cleared his throat. "My father used to say two people can find each other under the strangest of circumstances, and the couple standing before me is no exception. Jorah came to Essos as a stranger, while Halyn was amidst a crowd distinguishing herself as a protector. Do you two have words that you wish to say to each other?"
"Jorah, you are the type of man most girls dream about. Strong, compassionate, willing to admit mistakes when not too stubborn, with a great sense of humor."
"Halyn, ever since I tested your physical strength I admired you. As we spent more time together, I saw more than a warrior. You were kind, patient, and willing to put up with my sometimes bad jokes. You are a much better person than I deserve, yet I will strive every day to be the man you say I am."
"And now the rings, if you have them." When none were produced, he used some twine to wrap their hands together loosely. "By the power vested in me as a captain, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The crew cheered and Doreah smiled as the two did as they were bid. During the feast, she sang an old Lynese ballad of love to her mother taught her long ago, causing her audience to turn to their respective partners with all their affection. She spent the night alone, looking up at the stars, feeling lonely and yet filled with hope of what the new land had to offer.
The ship docked at last in Eastwatch, finding not only Commander Cotter there to greet them, but Jorah's father Jeor as well. His sparse hair and full beard were as white as the snow all around them, his brown eyes as sharp as the sword and battle-axe he carried.
"My son." He crushed Jorah in a hug, looking about as emotional as a man could at being reunited with his only child.
"Father, I would like you to meet my new wife Halyn."
"What a beautiful name to match such a striking appearance." Jeor enveloped her in an embrace as well. "Welcome to House Mormont and Eastwatch, my daughter. Has Jorah told you much of what we do here?"
"All that he can concerning all of the Night's Watch that I had never before heard. With your acquiescence, we would like to hold another wedding ceremony in the Godswood here where we will both take the black and go forth as wandering crows for a time, saving for our own space in the Gift."
"You have more than my acquiescence, dear girl." Jeor thumped her on the back with a booming laugh that shook the ice wall stretching as far as the eye could see. "Come, let us ride at once to Castle Black."
Doreah had never ridden a mule before, finding it shorter than the horses she was used to mounting.
Jeor joined her, bringing up the rear of the company on his tough-looking garron, his pet crow demanding corn. "It is not often we see a Lynese out this way to stay."
"I suppose I like the two lovebirds up there am an unusual individual. My name is Doreah, handmaiden to Kahleesi Daenerys Targaryen."
"Well met, Doreah. It seems as winter comes, so too the dragons spread their wings. One of my Rangers Benjen met one Beyond-the-Wall, though her surname is Waters, indicating she originally was born a bastard further south of here. Not that such things matter out here, for only inner strength will keep you alive i can see such a fire burning in you, and I feel you will find all you seek here."
