The Thirteen

[Deleted]

Daenerys was mildly sweating in the Qartheen sun, like every other day in Qarth. Her hair was lush and generous, her skin fair without any blemishes, now that she had reinstated contact with civilization once more. But Qarth was odd. It had an ominous feel to it, with the people here coming off as queer and alien, and it was enough to make Dany tremble at times. But it isn't the worse part. She has nightmares of faceless men following her, and finally awaking her with the slit of her throat. She heard too many stories of the Faceless Men targeting Qartheens. She wondered if they would target the last dragon. 

Jorah was at Daenerys' side, casually commenting on the valuables sold at the markets. It was crowded with wealthy goods for wealthy men. Even with the lavish treatment here, she wants wealthy herself. 

Hours of strolling had found Daenerys glaring at a harpy carved out of onyx and bronze, with rubies inlaid for the eyes. It was a monstrous site, and Daenerys was all too familiar with what harpies were and what they represented. Yet it was beautiful. "Onyx and bronze imported from Astapor," said the pale merchant. His eyes gleamed a strange glossy, emerald color, and it ran like water. He offered a price to Dany to which she hadn't heard. She politely smiled and shook her head in refusal, and continued on slowly with Jorah. "The docks are near," she noted. Jorah looked at her. "Yes Khaleesi. Qarth is one of the few cities who sell their ships." She looked at the sandy ground as she walked. Her silken gown was tumbling in the way of her boots. "It does me no good when I can't afford a ship." Ser Jorah didn't reply. 

Dany's eyes widened at a merchant selling slaves. And it was worse that even Dany could afford them with so low prices for these lives. "Is it legal to sell slaves in Qarth?" Daenerys whispered to Jorah. "Aye, Khaleesi. I'm afraid so." The slaves were peeled with red burns on their skin coming from the hot sun. It was mistreatment truly. Daenerys continued past the slaves with Jorah at her side.

Ser Barristan Selmy

[Ser Barristan Selmy]

I AM A KNIGHT,

The voyage from Westeros was long, as was the beard of Barristan Selmy. He was no longer a knight, he abandoned his post. But for a greater future, the Lannister poison will destroy Westeros from the top down. No, after he left Westeros Barristan allowed his beard and hair to grow long. The men had taken to affectionately calling him Whitebeard. He adopted a new name and weapon. Ser Barristan Selmy was a knight in armor who wielded a blade and shield. But Arstan Whitebeard bore a beard and staff.

His voyage to Essos was nothing but time wasted, time that could have been better spent with the true ruler of Westeros. Daenerys Targaryan, of the grand Targaryan dynasty. To whom Selmy had served in his earlier years. He stepped from his ship and put on his hood. No need to be noticed by any Lannister spies that may be lurking. Whitebeard began to wander the docks, She would seek ships, so that is where he would wait. 

He leaned on a wall, and watched the faces of everyone who passed. There are Dothraki around, so the Khaleesi must be close. And there she was, looking disheartened... The slaves. The man with her, not native of Essos, Westerosi at sight. Hardened demeanor of a northerner, the bear sigil suggests Mormont. To be in Essos, it must be the exiled Jorah Mormont. But it was not him whom Barristan had business, it was Daenerys 

I SHALL DIE A KNIGHT.

[Deleted]

fire and blood

Rhaegar wasn't the last dragon...

TAG: Ser Barristan Selmy 

The smells of salt was no longer faint, and it was strong, along with the hot breeze that brushed against Dany's cheeks. Her face, which was as pale as snow, had been growing to the tanner faces that appear around all corners of Essos. It made her hair look more proportionate, and her face fuller. "Ser Jorah, do you see that ship?" she pointed, a small ship with serpents carved into the cog and belly. "Aye, Khaleesi. Quaint ship, and I'm sure it's just as quainter in the price," Ser Jorah responded as he gaped at the vessel. She gave a thoughtful look. Oppurtunities aren't very favorable in Qarth... she reflected. But she knew what could help her. The thirteen. The council that holds Qarth. They are the richest. Daenerys had pushed the thought away many times, as she did not want to be the Beggar Queen, nothing like her brother, but she did want a ship. She must leave. To where though? Could I sail to Westeros? No...Pentoes...Magister Illyrio surely will provide me a residence. And maybe deeds to help my cause, she had sunken further into her thought. It would take time to contact Mopatis. Perhaps she had a better chance with the thirteen. Jorah wouldn't recommend it, she knew. And so she may as well hide it. 


She had had continued walking, and as she did so, she noticed Jorah had given a cold stare, a long-lasting stare. Not much ponder had followed, until Jorah hadn't looked away. Instead, he urged Daenerys away from the docks. "Ser Jorah, why are you...?" He looked at her with a frightened look. "Khaleesi, continue. Don't look at the ships. Let's get you somewhere safe." She smiled. I'm in Quarth...no, Qarth. Of course I'm safe, she had found Jorah's suspicion humorous. She hadn't been long enough in Qarth for any word to motivate those to chase after her. So she had thought. He urged her down an alley, through narrow passages and finally out on the other side of the markets and into the fruit yards, with the ripe smells of oranges doting on the air. "A Westerosi, Khaleesi. Awaiting the docks, right where you were about to go. Men don't travel to Qarth from Westeros without reason. Not even a merchant, or a wealth traveler." Dany had felt confused. She couldn't keep hiding. She didn't want to believe her bear, but she must. Her blood riders had cornered her, and kept their weapons ready. It only made it more suspicious to the eye, but there weren't many in the gardens. Maids and slaves attending the fruits. 

"Khaleesi. You're still wanted. You will always be wanted." Dany frowned. "By who, Jorah?" she had lashed. "By the people of Qarth? The people in Westeros? The people who stand beside me each day?" Jorah had seemed to shrink back at the last mention. Daenerys blushed a moment, and inspired herself anger. He talks to me like I am a child. Like I can't handle the world I have been brought into. Yet only compassion had ran from her. Jorah did his best to protect her. He had taken steps to talk to her, to get to know her. Her blood riders were more steeped in duty rather than honor and loyalty. And she supposed she was grateful for such.

She decided she would return to her guest quarters at Daxos's estate. And present the idea of the thrteen to Jorah for his counsel. Yet either way, it didn't fix the need for ships. And she would find a ship, through barter and agreement, or fire and blood. 

ⒶⓀⒾ

[Ser Barristan Selmy]

I AM A KNIGHT,

Barristan had seen Jorah hustle the Queen quickly from the docks, he followed, the tapping of his staff matching his slow stride. He saw the Dothraki screamers protecting the Khaleesi in a formation. He approached slowly. "It's true what your guard says my lady. No man comes to Essos without purpose." Barristan stopped before the Dothraki, lest they cut him down, or attempt to. "Westeros is in ruins now, there is gold on the Iron Throne, but I say take us back to the days of old. The days where fire and iron culminated together as one." 


Barristan lowered his hood allowing his hair to fall down his neck. "My Queen, I have the honor of being Barristan Selmy, I served your father in his Kingsguard to his dying breath. And now I come to serve you the same" He went down to one knee and bowed his head. 

He could sense the groans of Jorah Mormont. Barristan was preset during the decision to exile him. A decision to which he concurred. It made one wander if the Queen knew of Jorah's spotted past? Nevertheless, he came to serve the Queen. And if he must stand beside Jorah Mormont, so be it. With her say so Arstan Whitebeard would rise again as Ser Barristan 'The Bold' Selmy, Knight of the true Queen of Westeros. The Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Stormborn, of House Targaryan. There's power in blood, but so to is there power in steel.

 

I SHALL DIE A KNIGHT.

[Deleted]

fire and blood

Rhaegar wasn't the last dragon...

TAG: Ser Barristan Selmy .

"My father and brother had died, when the people bent the knee to the usurper. How do I know I can trust you?" she gazed at the old man, who had taken to bending his knee. He was old, and he looked no harm, but if that was the case that no harm he could cause, how could he serve her? And his staff wasn't a sword. Daenerys had seen how Jorah kills with his, and he keeps her defended well. How would this man do, with his strength leaving him? Two Westerosi surround me...how many more know of my presence? she thought. 


Dany turned to Ser Jorah, her Qartheen gown exposing her left breast, and minor of her right. "Do you know this man?" she asked of him. Ser Jorah shook his head 'yes'. "Aye. One of the greatest fighters Westeros ever saw, and the commander of King Robert Baratheon's Kingsguard," he announced. Dany shook her head thoughtfully. She was unsure if she could trust the man. When asking Jorah if he trusted him, he gave no response. It was up to her to trust him or not. Her father died under his watch. So did Rhaella. And what of Rhaenys and Visenya, or even Aegon? Then he bent the knee to the usurper. 

The breeze began tugging at Dany's hair, and it carried warmth, but somehow, it made her feel bare and naked in a midst of winter, and she held her hand over her left breast. She was in Qarth, naked and exposed. Men all around her who are alien and monstrous. They could harm her. The warlocks could prey on her. And Westeros was half a world away...and perhaps it could come closer.

ⒶⓀⒾ

[Ser Barristan Selmy]

I AM A KNIGHT,

Ser Barristan rose, with aid of his staff. He gripped both hands about it and bowed his head. "By the Old Gods and the New, I pledge to you my blade, my strength and my life. Until my dying breath I will aid you in reclaiming the Iron Throne for the Targaryan dynasty who knighted me as I am today" 

Mormont looked wary, he bore no trust in his eyes. But it's not the trust of a criminal that Ser Barristan wanted or had care for, It was the Queen Ser Barrristan wished favor from. The seaside breeze blew Barristans shaggy beard, his hair following. The bloodriders had their sights fixed on Barristan. Their crude hooked blades ready to strike. Should this meet go south, he'd be ready. A story Essos would hear inn song. The old man who falled Bloodriders with nary but a walking stick 

No small band of Screamers could match to a westerosi knight, whose body may look frail, but to take Ser Barristan Selmy's image as his person would be a severe and deadly mistake. One that no man in the Seven Kingdoms who knew the name of Barristan the Bold would dare. Only men with a grudge or deathwish would step into combat with Ser Barristan willingly. Confidence does in fact shape a knight, but overconfidence kills one. Ser Barristan always was wary of his person, being why he bowed before the Bloodriders and not pushing by them. 

I SHALL DIE A KNIGHT.

[Deleted]

fire and blood

Rhaegar wasn't the last dragon...

TAG: Ser Barristan Selmy

Daenerys looked at the old man straight in the eye. "Rise," she commanded. "You will serve me from this day as a knight, but not of my Queensguard," she spoked swiftly. If Jorah would mistrust him, he'd better speak now. But he didn't. "Won't you be needing a sword, Ser Barristan?" she asked. She found it queer of a man from Westeros to use such a weapon. She wasn't exactly sure if her treasury was stocked with any Westerosi long swords. They were high on arahks and a few spears. She needed the gold to buy food and a ship to travel to Pentos. 

The day was growing colder and later, and Daenerys was beginning to feel the first pangs of hunger. Xharo usually are lavishly, but it wasn't exactly a taste to Westerosi. Jorah had grown rather use to boiled dog, raw egg, and eagle foot, but Daenerys retched. She usually had eaten pork or the fruits that Xharo Xoan Daxos laid to the feast table. And she would fill on watered wine. She was also feeling a need for a hot bath. Xharo had a hot spring in his home, but he claimed he doesn't use it often as it grows to hot, but it was very comforting to Dany. One of his servants had screamed, thinking Dany was boiling alive, but came to find it for naught. 

"We can discuss your duties at dinner, Ser Barristan," she finished. 

ⒶⓀⒾ

[Ser Barristan Selmy]

I AM A KNIGHT,

"Worry not my lady, I shall equip myself with a sword by the morrow. I'm sure the smiths of Qarth with gladly take silver for a blade." He paused, considering this to be the end of his speak but no, what the Queen had said rang out to him. If the Queen wishes him not as a part of her Queensguard let her wish be given. It hurt the honour of Ser Barristan, but his name would mean nothing to the young girl. Perhaps in time she would notice and trust the old knight. 

"Dinner it shall be my Queen" Ser Barristan bowed his head and followed her entourage. As they moved shadows seemed to creep in alleyways, eyes following people moving... following. Ser Barristan held his tounge until he managed to get close enough to whisper to his Queen. "My Lady, do not break cover of your guard, hooded men follow" Ser Barristan spilt from the group and went through a back alley to take the pursuers from their flank. 

He would await their approach, they would need to announce themselves soon. And once they made to move it would be a strike from behind. No doubt these men would be mercenary's of the child on the Iron Throne. The staff was not just for a walking stick, in fact it was hardened for combat and had seen fights before. The two men hid on a corner awaiting the approach of the Queen. Ser Barristan was close too. 

I SHALL DIE A KNIGHT.

[Deleted]

fire and blood

Rhaegar wasn't the last dragon...

TAG: Ser Barristan Selmy

Daenerys's heart seemed to tense, but she held her guard. Ser Jorah nodded at Ser Barristan, and he slowly and quietly drew his sword, and held it down at his side, to at a corner, it couldn't be spotted. Dany felt her hood slung behind her head, but didn't pull cover, so she could view everything. She was no fighter by any means, but she had avoided many blows from Viserys, and it may just be a saving point if Ser Barristan shall fail, and even Ser Jorah. 

Dany saw as Jorah pursed his lips and his eyes squinted in a suspicious manner. She held her hand over her bare breast, and clutched Ser Jorah's elbows. She took a deep breath as her boots lightly jumped the ground. She looked around anxiously, expecting a jump of a mercenary any moment now. She spotted a little boy looking out his window on the upscaled level. His room was dark, with only a candle in his hands. He shouted something in a language she didn't know, but she suspected it must have been Ghiscari. 

Ser Jorah then stepped dutifully in front of Dany as to guard her as they rounded near a corner, and more shadows appeared. She thought she saw two men, and Ser Barristan. A tear welled in Dany's eye, and she found herself in a strange place. Ash had ran through the air, and it became stronger. A roar crackled from the sky, and a beast slithered where the roar had came. And wings sprouted, and fire ran ablaze, and the heat burnt Dany. It became too hot, and very hot. The dragon was whispering something she couldn't hear. But it was in Valyrian. The whispers became stronger, yet were droned. "What?" she shouted to the dragon. "I can't hear you," she said in High Valyrian. The flames became cold and didn't burn her. The dragon turned pale white and was face to face with her. It whispered. And it was clear. "Fira and blood," it had said. And suddenly flames burst all around the land, the ashes growing stronger, and then more roars and beasts engendered in the sky. Sandstone castle arose around her, and suddenly she began hurting. She was hurting, the fire now harming her again. It burned her to ash, and dust. The world turned black, and she opened her eyes to find herself on the dusty grounds of Qarth. She was in the same alley. She thought she could make out the blurs of Ser Barristsn. But she was confused. She had a vision of the sort. It was like her dragon dreams, only she was awake. 

ⒶⓀⒾ

[Ser Barristan Selmy]

I AM A KNIGHT,

The rush, ever since departure from Westeros the old knight had been awaiting his next skirmish. Fighting was all Ser Barristan knew, fighting, guarding and honour. He approached the pair, with one spin and a swing he took one of the men from his legs. 

The other looked in shock. "Brother!" He drew his knife and ran for Ser Barristan. Quickly Barristan propped his spear back and the tip at the end met the charging mans throat. By this time the first was making his way to his feet. The men were clad in tattered robes of brown, one appeared to have a slight beard shining with grease, the others hood had remained up so it was impossible to tell. But they must be brothers judging by what the other said. Brothers by blood, or organisation is yet to be solved. 

Before the man made his feet Ser Barristan rested his staff on the ball of his ankle and began to apply pressure. The second was still writhing on the ground trying to find his breath again. "Try not to squirm, if you move I'll crush your foot boy!" Ser Barristan warned. A deep authority in his voice. That was not the voice of an Arstan Whitebeard. That was of Ser Barristan 'The Bold' Selmy, the greatest living knight in all of the kingdoms combined. "You'll answer to the Queen" The man began to weep in prayer, he was scared... why?

I SHALL DIE A KNIGHT.

[Deleted]

fire and blood

Rhaegar wasn't the last dragon...

TAG: Ser Barristan Selmy .

Daenerys held out her hand as Ser Jorah pulled her up, and held a shield out, protecting her abdomen. She realized she smaller than the shield, and it would probably protect her whole body from the enemies that squirmed around al of Qarth. She stared as Ser Barristan quickly broken the enemies, and their shadows ceased to exist. "Ser Barristan," Daenerys called for the old knight.

She took a meager step and saw his face again. I know why the usurper had loved longer than he should of, she thought. Ser Jorah nodded in acknowledgement. "Thank you Ser Barristan, it would've been trouble if you hadn't noticed them," she said as she was still in a shake. You must be strong, don't tremble, she told herself. Daenerys walked on.

She walked carefully through many more alleys, they seemed to grow more narrow as she pressed on, but certainly much more clean and lighter as she walked. Soon, she stood in the main plaza where the thirteen had their private houses. She crossed the pebbles paths and found herself in the marble-and-sandstone mansion. As entering, the air was warmer inside. She could smell the hint of fire. A screech, and Dany could hear her precious Drogon calling. The dragon suddenly flew around a corner and batted Dany in the face before haunching on her shoulder. His claws were sharp, and sharper than usual. He was heavier, by the feel. "Fly over here, sweetheart," she whispered to her dark dragon. She walked over to a perch, and Drogon spewed flames and perched. "Aarrrrrk!" it screamed. Irri approached Dany. "Hot bath is being made for Khaleesi," she said. Jhogo stood up from his seat, seductive in a leather jerkin with no sleeves, and a whip in hand. His hair was a curly, black mess, but looked gorgeous. He smelled of ash. "Dragons were behaving wild while the Khaleesi was gone," he reported. Dany's smile went bitterly in half, but she was glad to be out of the streets. "Ser Jorah, take guard of my dragons while I take a bath,". She turned to Ser Barristan. "You guard me," She could see the look Ser Jorah flashed her. Jhogo can use a break, she thought. She told Jhogo, Aggo, Rhokaro, and Irri to keep close to Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan. Oddly, Dorreah was out of site. Xharo was as well, as expected.

ⒶⓀⒾ

[Ser Barristan Selmy]

I AM A KNIGHT,

They stepped around the corner into the plaza of the thirteen where Daenerys was staying. Ser Barristan kept pace with the small entourage. To his astonishment, the rumors bled truth... dragons. Living dragons. Not since the days of the Targaryan invasions had dragons lived... amazing. 

He saw them all flock to Danenerys, truly a mother of dragons. But if the rumors were true they were growing fast... unstoppable soon... There was no stopping a force of dragons.

Ser Barristan nodded to Daenerys. "Yes my Queen" Ser Barristan was taking personal guard of his new Queen. His honor was now intact once more. Nonetheless he would need to get a sword soon. A longer blade would suit now, in the Kingsguard Barrista was required to use a more suiting blade to wield a shield alongside it. But Ser Barristan had always favored the longer blade. 

Perhaps when the Queen retires for the night Barristan will make to aquire one, and then regain his demeanor. Beginning with his hair and beard. No knight should look like a sage as Ser Barristan does. He and Daenerys were now walking around in the intense heat of Essos. 

There's no more Lannister here, no more Stark, Greyjoy, Baratheon. No more court betrayal. In Kings landing, even a whisper can find you in the cells. Especially since Cersei Lannister came, she trusted no man. She even had the gall to dismiss Ser Barristan believing him to be too old... No he still had his years about him.

I SHALL DIE A KNIGHT.

[Deleted]

fire and blood

Rhaegar wasn't the last dragon...

TAG: @username.

The Dragon Queen felt safe while she bathed in the skalding water. She has the freedom to take her time, unlike when she lived alongside Viserys in Ilyrio's estate, whom would rush her and hit her if a second over her rationed time. And it felt better to know that a seasoned knight stood outside your door. 

A servant had scrubbed delicate wildberry soaps on Dany's legs, but avoided touching the water because of it's temperature. Dany took the sponge to scrub the spots the servant couldn't touch without burning herself. "Your hair is beautiful," noted the servant. Dany shook her head. "It is, isn't it?" she politely agreed. Through the drone of water falling down into the tub off of Dany's body, she could hear her dragons fighting. And it must be feeding time, she guessed. But after an hour of washing and bathing, enjoy of the water, she stood out of the water and had tied a robe around her that trapped the heat and dried her body. After dried, she dawned a lilac gown that brought out the purple in her eyes, and made her hair brighter. She knitted her hair into braids, and felt her stomach rumble in hunger. She walked out into the stone halls, with a torch mounted on the walls, and met Ser Barristan there. "Your dismissed, Ser Barristan," she said. A servant walked up in quick pace and had told them that dinner was ready, and before long, Dany was sitting in the dining hall, with the smell of honey in the air. Before her sat a large plate of honeyed duck, bread, and grilled leeks, but she thought it was app for naught as she wasn't particularly hungry. Her appetite was always small. She recalled her brother scowling at her when she ate too much, and how he would call her far, a beast, and it made her cry many times. But she had passed the memory on. 

Xharo walked in. An large man from the Summer Isles. "A toast I would like to make before we begin," he said in his loud, husky voice as he poured wine into a goblet. Daenerys poured a small amount as well, and held her glass the way Viserys taught her to, and Xharo said, "To the Mother of Dragons,". Dany smiled and sipped. 

ⒶⓀⒾ