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

Kess knew that Jhaqo was right. Something much larger than them was stirring and their people were what mattered most here. The sooner Daenerys Targaryen was out of the hands of the Dothraki, the sooner they could regroup and regrow. And grow they would. She had no doubt in her mind that they'd rise again and Vaes Dothrak would be rebuilt. The great city would be bigger and stronger than it ever had been. The Mother of Mountains would smile upon their new city and the Great Stallion would buck and whinny his approval, granting them the finest and strongest sons yet. They'd find their enemy, cut it down and crush it beneath the hooves of their horses, bleed it with every blade! They were Dothraki! They would not die out with the weak! They would not be ash scattered to the wind. With a curt nod, Kess understood full well what would happen. She'd seen Arrokko challenged several times over. He'd even been challenged the day he'd decided to take her as his Khaleesi. But the Stallion had smiled down upon her khal that day and she'd become his wife, his mate, his greatest support. Only that smile never bore them sons. It never bore them daughters either. Often times it made her wonder if she truly belonged at Arrokko's side, but he demanded it so long as he could ride. She loved him for that and fought bravely, with determination like no other, to prove herself a worthy choice. Kess found a small smile creeping along her lips as she looked at Jhaqo, the strong grip on her arm making it clear where he stood amongst the riders. He was khal and now her khal. She would follow him willingly. Your tent will be warm as I wait for you, Kess said, confidence lacing every word. My khal. Her pale eyes remained fixed on Jhaqo's brown, the heat of his palm radiating down along the flesh of her taut arm. She expected him to be victorious, to meet any adversary and vanquish him without remorse. He would win. He had to. Dany studied the man carefully as she placed her hands over his. Just what was it about him that seemed so familiar? She was certain he didn't hail from Essos. He understood far too much to not have ventured across the Narrow Sea. Suddenly, she let out a soft hiss as his hands touched her hip. Glancing down, her strange eyes fixed upon the bloom of blues and purples upon her hip. It would be a few days before the muscles no longer were tender to the touch. But no matter. She'd suffered worse. She could endure this minor injury. I've not been touched, Dany mused. No, no. The Dothraki had certainly not touched her. Shoved and prodded, laughed and spat. But not a one of them dared claim her as their own. A part of Dany knew that the only one among the riders who could start a bidding war for sharing her bed was the khal. And so far, he'd made no such attempts. Now, with Vaes Dothrak destroyed and a nameless apparition lurking in the shadows and making demands...the Dothraki would want to remain as far away from her as possible. If she had to make a guess, she was sure civil unrest would soon befall the khalasar. Soon, more Dothraki would die. These men might be barbaric, but they are not imbeciles, Dany went on. She felt the old man's hands on her back, moving down toward hips. And whoever has threatened their numbers has seen to it that none will dare try. It was a puzzling thing, but the ominous shadow slaughtering men and stealing women and children had gone to great length to ensure no one touched her. Dany watched the old man retrieve the water basin she'd kicked earlier. He brought it close and she awaited further instruction. Finally, she moved to sit down and knelt before the old man as he readied the rags to wash her body. She let out a soft breath, allowing her muscles to release all the tension that gripped at her tiny body. For a brief moment, she closed her eyes, but was startled when she felt the sting of a hard slap against her inner thigh. I... Dany stammered, her violet eyes darting back and forth before resting upon the old man in front of her. She was glad, in that moment, that his eyes could not see. Her skin heated and she turned away in embarrassment. Daenerys could hear the muffled voices outside grow louder before prying eyes peered inside the tent. Immediately, she moved to cover herself, not wanting these men to see her bared as she was. Anger welled up and she turned toward her newfound audience with gritted teeth. Fortunately, they didn't watch for long. You speak of masochism and pain, Dany said plainly. But I come from a world where everything was taken from me. My home, my family, my son, my love... She felt her voice falter and took a deep breath. It's time to stop allowing things to be taken. No more sitting idly by. She paused a moment, her brows furrowing. I've spent far too long in Meereen, she whispered. I...I need to go home. Missandei's eyes softened when Tyrion reached out to gently touch her hand. She needed the reassurance in that moment and somehow the dwarf had known. She was grateful for his presence in Dany's absence. Without him she was sure Meereen would fall back into the hands of the masters, that great and horrible harpy re-erected for all to see as it glared down upon everyone residing in its shadow. A shiver ran along Missandei's spine. That couldn't happen. Not after everything Dany had accomplished! A pang of fear filled her when Tyrion spoke and she found her dark eyes widening as she quickly turned to look his way. A common threat, Missandei whispered. She smiled and knew Dany would approve without question. She nodded and walked over to one of the bodyguards in the room and whispered a request that he retrieve the wine stashed away by Daario. The guard nodded and left. Missandei paced the room, her face the picture of calm. When she stopped she looked over at Varys and then Tyrion. Our queen would approve of this tactic, Missandei began. Perhaps we enlist our strongest Unsullied to guard the food supply as a start to this diversion. She looked over at Tyrion and smiled. We can have those Unsullied seeking refuge in the brothels planting their seeds of another threat? She tilted her head, her eyes fixed on Tyrion before moving to Varys once more. Just then, the guard returned with the wine Missandei had asked him to fetch. She gestured he bring it to Tyrion and pour him a glass. What about the Second Sons? Missandei then asked as she laid a gentle hand on the guard's arm who prepared the wine. When it was poured, she handed the full glass to Tyrion. Would they not be helpful in this fabrication of an army set to destroy the Breaker of Chains? Her eyes were innocent and hopeful, begging for answers none them could hope to find. But she had to admit, this was their best chance at keeping Dany's reign intact. Together, they'd snuff out the Sons of the Harpy. Together, they'd bring peace and control back to Meereen.