Thread: GoT: Blood And Fire (kingofshadows & darkangel76)

The pungent aroma of death was strong in what remained of the once bustling city. Daenerys could taste the blood on her tongue as she'd bitten it during her fall. The weight of the old man was heavy upon her slight body and she struggled to get up. Shifting, she managed to look upon him with her eyes narrowed, studying him carefully. There was something odd in the way he talked, in the way he carried himself. And right now, he was her strongest ally. She glanced over toward Khal Jhaqo, though he'd turned away in obvious disgust. She'd known him once as her love's ko, a fine rider and warrior. Now she wasn't sure what to think as he led his menDrogo's menin ways that made her taste the bitter bile of betrayal rising in her throat. Kess looked on, her blue eyes noting everything and not missing anything. She rushed to the khal's side and nodded her thanks, though she made sure to set her sights on the silver-haired girl that seemed to be at the heart of everything before turning to lead the great man deeper into the city. He had much on his mind and for good reason. It was like shadow moving swiftly in the night. Here and then gone, Kess spoke, her eyes scanning the area just like the rest of Jhaqo's men. I saw nothing except what appeared to be an apparition. Glittering and gleaming. She paused a moment, collecting her thoughts. I was allowed to live so long as I relayed my message to you, she went on. Now that I've played my part, I fear that I, too, will be taken. It was an honest fear and she wasn't about to deny it. It would be cowardice to turn away, to run. She was a dosh khaleen, Khal Arrokko's Khaleesi. She'd never dishonor him by turning away from a threat. He took them all, so why not me? I'm no longer of use and you see what he's done to our city, she hissed as her tiny hands balled into fists. Her cheeks radiating the heat as it swept along her smudged and dirtied face. Kess had to wonder why it was she was spared while the others were not. So many men were slaughtered, dark swords tainting the city as they spilled Dothraki blood. Brandishing weapons against anyone was forbidden. Despair would truly rain down upon them all now. Perhaps it was why she could still hear the echoes of screaming children, the women! Every blink and she saw their faces, begging and pleading for mercy! What Dothraki made such pleas? It had been disturbing, dishonorable and no mercy had been shown that night. None! The chaos had been terrible and she'd only just managed to hold her tongue, to repress the desire to beg for mercy. Like everyone else, she feared she wouldn't see the dawn. It had been an unforeseen miracle that she'd been thrown out of her cage and cast back out into the burning Vaes Dothrak where she saw the freshly rotting corpses of men she knew, faces who'd never accepted her. And so what if most of them hadn't! Or, if most of them had mocked the fact that she'd been Khaleesiher, a mere slave's daughter. Vaes Dothrak was still her home, her people. She would always be Dothraki! And, she'd always love Arrokko. Daenerys finally stood up, her hip aching from her fall. She rubbed at the tender flesh and helped the old man to stand. Looking out toward Jhaqo, she felt nothing but contempt. How dare he claim this man to be her slave when she was the breaker of chains. No doubt he was trying to anger her, his own fury at seeing his home destroyed causing him to need to place blame. She looked at the man and sighed softly. You are no slave. Not while I'm here, Dany stated plainly as she refused to let her uncertainty show. Tell me, sir. Were you here when the city was attacked? Just as Dany asked her questions, some of Jhaqo's riders grabbed at her arm and roughly escorted both her and the blind man toward the tents that were being erected. Stay here until you're told otherwise. Moments later, a large basin with water and a rough towel were brought inside as well. The warrior men grunted and then laughed. Maybe the healer can make you presentable, one of them said before they stalked away. Dany lowered her eyes, anger seething below the surface. She wanted to get back to Meereen, to find Drogon! She was wasting so much precious time! With a huff, she lightly kicked at the basin causing the water to jostle and splash a little. Are you truly a healer? Daenerys then asked, smiling a little as her thoughts moved to Drogon. Kess felt the anger ebb slightly along with the fear and she let out a soft exhale. Turning toward Jhaqo, she asked. How are you going to get her back to Meereen? She glanced around as the riders busied themselves. Some were setting up tents, while others searched the immediate area for survivors. She caught sight of the two standing guard over the girl and the blind man. There are others who will try to stop you. Legends of your silver-haired guest are not unknown amongst all the Dothraki. Rumor spreads fast even in the Dothraki Sea. A part of Kess felt for the girl. She knew what it was like to be an outsider, to have those you loved look upon you with malice and disgust. Despite it all, the violet-eyed woman had managed to thrive, her reputation traversing the far reaches of Essos and, by now, Westeros. She'd soon have her throne, if that's what she was truly seeking. If I can be of aid, Kess whispered. I will ride with you and your khalasar. Missandei slowly approached the two men who'd been entrusted to see to Meereen's safety while both Daario and Jorah searched high and low for her friend and confidantethe true ruler of the city and rightful heir to the Iron Throne. She found it ironic that those seeking to bring her back were the two she trusted least. She could only hope that they'd find success, though she had little doubt that Daario would have trouble getting Dany to follow once he tracked her down and found her. And he would find her. That man had a way of always finding the silver-haired Targaryen. Dark eyes resting on Varys, Missandei nodded. These weren't the sorts of things she wanted to hear, but she knew the truth of them and she feared that more Unsullied would meet the fate of her Grey Worm...or worse. Have you learned anything, Lord Varys? she asked, her voice soft and calm. She had her own thoughts and they frightened her more than the masters of the city. Tyrion seemed particularly out of sorts. Missandei could hardly fault him. The dwarf had only just arrived in Meereen, his life turned completely upside down, and now was faced with their greatest crisis. What's more, the woman he'd pledged to serve...vanished upon the back of one very large dragon. Still, she couldn't help but smile when he spoke of wine. She knew where some was stored, hidden away. Daario had it kept in a special place for those moments when he wished to indulge upon Dany. Besides, the sellsword had no impending need of it. Why waste such vintage when those in need and want were there and able? I can see you get some wine, Lord Tyrion, Missandei added with a smile. My little birds know where some is kept. She turned her gaze toward Varys and she gave the eunuch a nod. Stepping closer to the maps, she peered at them in wonder. They were truly at a disadvantage, much to her dismay. The Sons of the Harpy were vast in numbers, attacking in the shadows, unable to be identified. Their stunt at the pits was a warning to say the least, a means of showing their strength and just how far their threads had woven throughout the city. Yes, they'd pushed them down, but they'd been fortunate in that circumstance. If Drogon hadn't returned, Meereen would have no ruler. No, it would be ruled by 'The Harpy'. Perhaps we are going about this the wrong way, Missandei suggested, brows slightly furrowed. Perhaps we have more than just the masters to worry about.