Chapter Eight

….

Sunspear, Dorne

Mors Martell is having a bad day after being covered in camel dung. It does not start that way however. It is supposed to be a normal day for him. After the battles and the conquering that his dearly beloved wife, Nymeria has done to unite Dorne under Martell rule, it is a time of rest and recuperation. Dorne after all needs to pull itself together with bigger threats like the Gardeners and the Duranddons looking down on them. Before, Dorne is not an issue with these bigger and more well-fed kingdoms due to its splintered form of petty kings. Now however with it being united under a single rule, a single nation, it is another story. With Nymeria's conquest and unification; it sets Dorne up to the bigger stage of the Game of Thrones against the other Great Houses of Westeros.

It is not a matter of would they cause trouble? Rather it would be "When would they cause trouble?" that Dorne is now facing as it turns its eye up on its Northern neighbors.

Still, it is a problem for tomorrow, not today and Mors has been expecting a day of zero excitement today. For the high born like him, a day of no excitement means a day of rest and leisure. No troubles, no bad reports and no angry petitions that needs addressing or attention.

He has been walking with his guards over the central square of Sunspear where usually the levies would assemble looking over the usual water distribution located over one of Sunspear's two wells. He has been in the middle of saying the usual greetings to the household serfs and servants while basking in the glow of the bows and adulations of those that recognize him when without warning, the sky darkens and a giant freaking dragon descends like a dark red meteorite from the clouds.

Mors would later tell his grandchildren that he gives off a very courageous war cry against the arrival of the red dragon. Unfortunately it is as far as from the truth as it could be. He does scream, but it is no war cry. Instead he gives off a very girlish screech that would have made sopranos in another world proud before tripping on his own boots and landing on some camel dung scattering on the ground. His men share his fears for they quickly choose prudence over selfless courage and beat it, trampling their poor lord even more in the camel dung.

Thankfully the dragon is not hostile else Sunpear would be ash by now.

Now here Mors is, an hour later unhappily washed and (kind of) smelling still like dung as he sits on one of his comfy chairs inside his own solar facing his wife and the so-called Lhisan-Al-Gaib of the Fedaykin. Color him surprised when he before notices that atop the dragon riding it is his wife and another woman with black hair and pale skin. A second dragon had been present, colored pale yellow green who drops off five men to the waters at Sunspear harbor, their screeches echoing as they splash.

"So, a dragon?" he begins looking at his wife. Already he can feel the headache coming. Change it seems is coming to Dorne without his say-so.

Jerusalem Before the Return to Dorne

The sun gleams brightly in the Eastern Mountains casting an eerie red glow over the entire city within the Eye of the Snake. The sound of the wild dragons waking up to start their days can be heard as the roars echo on the mountain ranges. The city below is also already waking as those with work in the fields start appearing on the streets and the presence of the morning patrols can be seen taking the shift of the evening patrol. All in all it is a great sight for two who are at the top of the temple alcoves overlooking the entire city.

"So peaceful and majestic this city is, unlike the final days of my home," says Nymeria as she looks out from one end of the desert city to another. It has been two days, two days since she has arrived and has been welcomed as a guest to this city. Now here she is, at one of the stately rooms of the Temple, the home of Ari, the Voice From the Outer World.

"Is the city of Ny Sar the same?" asks her host appearing at her side.

"Not really, it is smaller but it bears some distinct similarities. We build our houses and buildings with red rock that we collect from the mountains, not this liquid limestone that you use," answers Nymeria with a shrug. "Seeing how well built your home is however, I believe that we might have been better off doing it your method,"

"We all do what we can of what we are given, coffee?" the other woman asks making Nymeria smile brightly at the offered beverage as she turns to get her large cup from the tray brought by the other woman.

As the two of them sits on two chairs with a circular small table overlooking the veranda of one of the Temple's open spaces, Nymeria sips her drink before making a small moan in pleasure. Coffee is really one of the better stuff that she manages to experience in Jerusalem. In all ways, Jerusalem both surprises her and enthralls her. It is a dry and dusty place, of that no one can argue. However for some reason, the city seems to make its desert setting for it, not against it. Jerusalem's beauty is not like that of the usual flowery grandiose that one can find in the Reach cities, no. Rather it is like a proud monument, strong, beautiful and representing something. The Temple also is like an Oasis with all its shrubbery and vines plus the maze of water gardens on its empty field. It is a glorious sight.

"Just like the people that dwell on it," thinks Nymeria as she turns her gaze to the Tower Temples of the Paths.

The La'Os or the Fedaykin as they call themselves now adhere to a strict life of discipline and control. They might have been smallfolk in the eyes of many Westerosi Lords but here at Jerusalem they are not so. The culture here is as varied as the sands of the desert. Here the Paths make sure that one is as skilled as possible in one and one skillset only. The presence of different Paths makes sure that everyone has a place in their community. There is no such thing as smallfolk or high born. The people defer to the Elders who keep their law and decide and debate every day judgements of life while the Elders defer to the Prophet who then has the final say on things. However so great is the respect of the Elders to the Prophet that they not trouble her unless absolutely necessary. In the span of two days, Nymeria has seen Ari only take one case brought to her by the Elders.

She is quite frankly jealous.

Speaking of the prophet, Nymeria can't help but like her. She is enigmatic as she is beautiful. Despite the blazing heat of the desert, she still has pale skin. With her serious expression and mysterious countenance, Nymeria can't help but be attracted to her. It doesn't help that she wears the blackest of silks which seems to try and fail each time to cover her scrumptious form. Nymeria is a woman but she is Rhoynar and it is in her blood to crave fire by passion. She sees what she wants and she will get it. The only reason she's holding herself back is because she's got a feeling that the Fedaykin would not take it well if she in any way go all touchy of their prophet and the fact that they still have to establish themselves on this political dance of theirs. She's not concerned however of the other woman not liking her back. Nymeria is in her early thirty's and she's confident enough in her body and beauty to enthrall the other woman to her bed.

"So here we are Ari," says Nymeria. "Two days as you promised me. What is this other path that you want to propose to me that would prevent us from clashing in our interests?"

The other woman simply clenches her pals and when she opens it, a flight of butterflies of gold come out which flutters to some flowers. "One of peace oh dearest queen," she answers simply before staring at her in the eyes. "You do not desire to conquer for land or for power. Instead you conquer to prevent divisions and prevent infractions. In a way this would preserve the peace that you so desire,"

"And?" Nymeria blinks wondering where the other woman is getting to with this.

"Jerusalem would be part of Dorne," says Ari simply. "But we would not be your vassals, and I'm not saying this because of pride or desire to keep power," she adds the second part quickly as Nymeria opens her mouth to protest.

"I have no desire for power or territory as such. The Fedaykin would not bow to the City Dwellers as they call you no matter how much you wish so. Forcing to do as such will only result in bloodshed. As such, in paper, Jerusalem would be part of Dorne. Jerusalem would honor your laws and submit to the ruler of Sunspear but it will keep its traditions. The Path of Howling Scorpions, the Path of the Fire Serpents and the Path of the Guardian Turtle, Jerusalem's military arm would also be ready to answer the call of war if Dorne needs it. In return all the territories of the Red Dunes would be ours to control and Jerusalem would be Dorne's responsibility to protect. The SandWorms would make it perilous to anyone else either way. Also I ask for the lonely island abandoned by the Yronwoods up North, Ghaston Grey,"

"That derelict place? Why?" asks Nymeria. Last she heard, Ghaston Grey is an abandoned fortress with a tower slowly crumbling to ruind.

"For my death," answers Ari simply. "What belongs to Mother Rhoyne will return to Mother Rhoyne, and when my time has come. That is where I will release my spirit in this life,"

"I see," Nymeria doesn't understand the last part of Ari's words but she shelves it for now despite her burning with curiosity. "I would grant you this and all that you have requested but I have a couple of conditions,"

"I expect you to," answers Ari smacking her full lips with the coffee she just drinks.

"Scrumptious lips," thinks Nymeria biting her lower lip before pulling herself together.

"I want the dragons," she says simply making the other woman laugh out loud at her words. "What's so funny?" she demands feeling a little miffed by her reaction.

"The Dovah and the wild dragons is not mine to command," answers Ari simply wiping tears from her eyes. " The Fedaykin simply have a symbiotic relationship with them. They feed them, and the dragons stay in their roosts on the mountain territories with little trouble,"

"What about the talking ones? The Dovah?" asks Nymeria. "I seem to remember one or two talking to you,"

"The Dovah are proud creatures Nymeria. They listen to me for I am Mother Rhoyne's herald. But it is a relationship that even I would not push very much. As far as the Dovah is concerned, they are doing me a favor for not eating me,"

"So they are not your servants like the Dragonlords of Valyria?" asks Nymeria.

"Please, no," chuckles the other woman. "The Dovah are independent dragons. They might find it amusing to follow me around and acquiesce to my requests but in the end it is just requests from me and the final decision lies on them if they want to follow me or not,"

"I see, then I agree to your proposals Lhisan-Al-Gaib," says Nymeria. "Jerusalem will be part of Dorne but under you as its Lady,"

"I have no desire for titles Queen," sniffs Ari.

"Just a title then," waves Nymeria off in surrender. "You keep your traditions and you remain prophet but it would be you who would be representing Jerusalem to Sunspear and the one in charge of its populace and safety. Plus making sure that it follows the general laws of Sunspear especially about Guest Right,"

"I can live with that," answers Ari taking another sip of her coffee. "Though I would hate bowing and scraping every time I meet you. Can I add one more condition?"

"I also have one of mine but you can say what is yours first," intones Nymeria with a wave of her hand.

"Like the dragons, I can't bow to you. Only to Mother Rhoyne do I pay homage and I would keep it that way," says Ari.

"Understandable, I can live with that," answers Nymeria. As far as she is concerned, this little condition of the prophet would end once their generation is past anyway. "Now my condition,"

"Let's hear it,"

"I want you to come to Sunspear with me and act as my advisor," says Nymeria making the other woman conk her head at her direction staring at her deeply with those green eyes of hers. She mentally shivers as if feeling her soul is being unraveled.

"This is not a ploy where you get to ambush me and kill me is it?" asks the prophet.

"The only ambushing I want to do is in bed," Nymeria thinks but of course does not say it out loud.

"No, you are right when saying that I plan to rule this part of the country with justice and the right way. What better way would it be than having the Prophet of Mother Rhoyne guiding me. I am new to all this ruling of a country type and I would be glad of your presence,"

"Very well, I agree. But don't expect me to just agree to your every decision. I am the Voice of the Outer World and by Mother Rhoyne I will let my voice be heard," says Ari leaning back to her chair.

"As I would expect you should," answers Nymeria smirking as she already imagines what wonders lie beneath those silks that cover up the Lhisan-Al-Gaib. "I am not looking for a drone but a partner that would stand at my side,"

"Of course," somehow Nymeria's got a feeling that there is some sarcasm lacing those words from the other woman.

"If it is alright Ari, I would love to be heading out to Sunspear tomorrow. I have tarried here long enough that I might be taking too much of your hospitality," says Nymeria. In a way she's right. The unification of Dorne is still fragile and the newly conquered Lords might get it into their heads that her being absent from Sunspear might mean that they can all get uppity. Mors, her husband is a good politician but he's not exactly a warrior like her.

"I understand. I would be coming with you," says the other woman surprising Nymeria. She has been planning to send for her originally to Sunspear a few months later not now. Something must have shown on her face for Ari smiles at her while draining the last vestiges of her coffee from the cup.

"Something tells me that I would be needed there,"

….

Current Time, Sunspear

"So Jerusalem is ceding to the crown of Dorne?" asks Mors Martell in front of her making Ari smile in return at him.

"It is, though with the stipulations I requested from your good queen here, Jerusalem will become part of Dorne as a partner along with its military might,"

"That is great good news!"

"I agree it is," replies Ari.

She refuses the urge to cackle in laughter though. She has not been lying when she said that Jerusalem would be throwing its lot with Dorne. There is a reasoning for that. The Fedaykin might be tamed with the Paths right now and content. However who can say in the future? The new generation that would be growing inside the Mountain Range would not be faced with the challenges of the desert and would not appreciate the safety that they have. At least with an open communication with the demands of the desert kingdom, they will understand the dangers of the world away from the mountain ranges. As for the other stipulations about laws and such, Ari seriously doubted whether Dorne would be able to forcefully able to implement it to Jerusalem. The Fedaykin distrusts strangers and would not seriously acknowledge the ruling of Sunspear as long as they are still ruled by their Elders and in proxy, her. Besides who from Dorne would dare the great risk of traveling the great desert which the Sandworms call home all for an implementation of some measly laws? Best they can do is, the ruling Martells of Sunspear would take her word for it. Now however she has a land to call her own that is probably greater than any house of Dorne with a population that knows how to access it and complete access to the sea via Ghaston Grey.

Also Ari has been lying to Nymeria about the dragons. While the Dovah are indeed autonomous on their own right. No dragon currently living in the ranges are truly free. Each of them has a timed self-destruct rube carved in their chest if they dare try being uppity. There is a reason why these dragons have been placed in her Vivarium in the first place. They are powerful, dangerous and nearly impossible to control. Even the Dovah agrees on this. They might be more civil compared to their more wild kin but their instincts are draconian and Ari is taking no secondary measures on this. That is why Ovahdiig delivers her here with Nymeria at his back (though she blatantly lied to the other woman saying that Ovahdiig is doing out of the goodness of his heart).

Now about Nymeria, Ari has to admit that she finds herself in a bit of a quandary. She knows of course that the other woman has the hots for her (thank you mind reading). In fact Ari's got a nagging suspicion that she is planning on pulling her to her bed tonight. The big question is whether she should? She has been rather keeping herself celibate through this years as she gets acclimatized with the body of a woman. Still, Ari is a man in her previous life and boy does she find Nymeria attractive. Ari is never one to say no to a beautiful woman wanting her on her bed in her previous life. However is the risks worth the rewards? The problem with sleeping with someone is you get to form an emotional connection whether you want to or not. So what to do? What to do? She knows that the Dornish is not prude to this and Mors Martell would certainly have no issues having his wife's sex going a ride with another woman.

"Lady Ari, Lady Ari-," the voice of Nymeria brings Ari out of her thoughts as she realizes that she has been daydreaming .

"What? Sorry, I've been thinking something," she says in apology to her hosts on the table who nods at her simply.

"I am saying Lady Ari since you are a Lady of Dorne now. I wondered if it would be better if you have a family name, a house name," finishes Nymeria at her questioning look. "The other houses would respect Jerusalem if it's Lady has a title name for her House,"

"A house name, interesting," Ari simply replies.

Nymeria is making a good point. She needs a House Name if she plans to live in this world. Not out of playing to the norm but rather out of convenience. The High born would not take her seriously if she has no family name. It would save a lot of hassle if she has one rather than using Ari all the time even if it comes with the title of the Lhisan-Al-Gaib. She never really thought about it however; having a House Name that is. She has been content so far with life and it never really came up. However it seems that she needs to be doing it now. Her first instinct would be to use her original surname of Potter but discarded it immediately. She would be a laughingstock if she uses that name. It is too common and lowborn as a title. No, she needs something unique, something strong, something that commands respect and power. A noble name that would be extremely in accord with the deserts of this…

"I got it!"

"Atreides," Ari simply answers to the questioning looks of Mors and Nymeria Martell. "I would be Arianne Atreides, Lady of Jerusalem and the Voice of the Outer World," she declares loudly.

It might have been a good ending for her, with her feeling epic and all. Unfortunately endings of conversations can sometimes be like cliffhangers of a book's chapter.

"DRAAAAAGOOOOOON!" someone screams out outside followed by the sound of people panicking and a powerful shriek sounds off in the sky. Ari has simply one thought as she hears it.

"That doesn't sound like Ovahdiig,"

Author's Note:
Hope you like this chapter readers. So we have finally Ari's surname. Hopefully It all fells to your expectations. If not, I would like other opinions.

Please Review for your Reviews are the song to this writer's inspiration. Thank you.