Dothraki Moon Festival

Edited by: xXFallenSakuraXx52

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones

Language

Common Tongue

Dothraki

Chapter 9: Death is only the beginning

Jorah's POV

Jorah stood by as he watched Alysanne, the handmaidens, and Barren Mother cleanse Drogo and Daenerys's bodies for the funeral. If it was him, he would be taking Alysanne and Rhaego out of here right now. A part of him doubts Pono and Jhaqo, mainly Jhaqo, will not honor their word to give them three days. By morning, they will have to leave.

He was not pleased. This situation would have happened any day now. When Khal Drogo dies, Daenerys would be part of the Dosh Khaleen and Rhaego…a fate undetermined. So Alysanne cutting her hand and claiming Rhaego as hers, part of the Dothraki adoption ritual. The Khalakka is still alive. He needed to get the last remaining Targaryens out of the Dothraki Sea. His mind was spiraling on ways to get to a seaport and back to Pentos. Illyrio Mopatis can help them.

His blue eyes glanced at Rhaego, who was asleep in his little bed, all tired out from crying. The poor thing, an orphan before grasping the word. Losing his parents on the same day out of duty. One as a Khal and the other as a mother. What makes this worse is that Rhaego is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne while also being the Stallion who Mounts the World. A prophecy can be dangerous. Words that may bring destiny but also bring enemies.

Jorah then looked at Alysanne, seeing her body trembled. She wanted to cry, but she was staying strong. Any sign of weakness revealed in front of the Khalasar and they would strike. Alysanne came over, eyes glossy.

"Alysanne," he greeted softly.

"The Khas will be watching us," she whispered. "I need you to get our things ready. We will leave during the middle of the service."

"Are you sure?" he asked. "We can leave in the morning."

"Like you say, we're in dangerous lands," she answered quietly. "Where's the best place to go?"

Jorah paused, thinking about it, "Asshai, or at least one of the port cities. Right now, focus on the funeral. I will get everything sorted."

"Thank you," she breathed, as she leaned up to peck his cheek.

"Get what you can for Rhaego, pack light," he whispered, before leaving the hut.

He left seeing Haggo and Cohollo were guarding the hut. The Exiled Knight knew once Drogo is cremated, they will be joining their Khal in the Night Lands. He took a deep breath going to his tent to gather their things and getting the supplies needed. He stayed on guard throughout, keeping eyes on the two kos and their khas.

"Jorah the Andal," Rakharo called out, rushing over.

"Rakharo," Jorah greeted as he stopped. "What is it?"

"Irri and I must go with you," the young khas said.

Jorah did not expect that. He thought the young khas will choose either to serve Pono or Jhaqo. His skill would be useful, but Pentos won't be the same. Wherever they go, there will be danger. Being around a Targaryen will put a target for anyone in Westeros. Now add a Targaryen and a Khalakka; it will be dangerous.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"I challenged a ko. I'll be punished if I stay," Rakharo whispered. "I failed Khaleesi. I'll protect the Khalakka."

Jorah nodded in understanding, Rakharo was a dead man walking, "Is Irri all right with this?"

Rakharo nodded.

Jorah placed a hand Rakharo shoulder leaning up to whisper in his ear, "Pack light, get your supplies ready. We leave tonight."

Rakharo nodded.

Jorah nodded back, then left to get the supplies. Having Rakharo and Irri can make things much easier. Rakharo can add more security while Irri helps Alysanne with Rhaego. Raising Rhaego will be a challenge. First of all, it was a spur of a moment adoption. One Alysanne did to save her nephew. There was no time to talk about it. The relationship between Alysanne and Jorah is far more serious than anyone would expect. He was planning to ask Alysanne to marry him.

Now there is a child of two different cultures. So having Rakharo around can help preserve Rhaego's Dothraki heritage; even though he will, there will some practices he can't do so easily. Although Irri and Rakharo might struggle the most, especially traveling by sea. Shaking his head, Jorah focused on getting what he needed.

.o0o.

Alysanne's POV

"White Sister, gather what you can for Rhaego," Cohollo told me.

Dusk was fast approaching. I appreciated that Cohollo was allowing me to collect parts of Rhaego's inheritance. Everything else will be burned at the funeral pyre, providing supplies for the Khal and Khaleesi in the Night Lands. I took two bags, packing items that would hold interest to the Little Dragon: gold, leather, and trinkets.

Until I came across the three dragon eggs. A wedding gift to Daenerys from Magister Illyrio. Do I let them be destroyed or keep them for Rhaego? I debated about it. They were Daenerys', a few things she has towards her Valyrian heritage. A reminder that Dragons used to exist. Dragon eggs are valuable, far more valuable than gold. Debating about it, I packed the dragon eggs. They can be of use, but I'll make sure Rhaego keeps one egg.

Once packed, the two bloodriders began assembling the treasures for the pyre for the Khal and Khaleesi. Haggo came over and handed me Drogo's spared arakh. The one Daenerys received at their wedding but declined by tradition. I nodded, accepting it.

I felt sorry for Cohollo and Haggo. They are loyal Bloodriders. The same loyalty as Ser Willem. However, once the funeral is over, they will kill themselves to continue to serve their Khal in the Night Lands. A tradition that even took Rakharo's father when he was younger. Sighing, I collected Rhaego so the men could dismantle the hut. Daenerys and Drogo were already cleaned and dressed. The girls had put Daenerys in her wedding dress with her hair braided for she earned her true braid in protecting her son.

Rhaego was confused as he looked around. I kept my hold, securing him on my hip. All around was his khas along with Kovarro and Aggo. Everyone was on guard since no one trusts the two kos. Pono gave the warning that in three days, we must be gone. It is Jhaqo that I do not trust. The man attempted to kill Rhaego and murdered my sister in cold blood. Violence. The Dothraki cared about violence rather than honor. Deep down, I want to kill Jhaqo, but I am no match. One year of swords training isn't enough to defeat a bloodrider.

I took a deep breath and kissed Rhaego's forehead. He was still cover in my blood. It was a good thing I eavesdropped on the conversation and listening to the customs of adoptions. The practice usually works on men, taking a Screamer's son if their father has died and mother perished. A way to honor their child, so the child doesn't fall between the cracks and become a slave.

Once we are out of here, I will give him a bath. So much has happened in one day. Deep inside, I was trembling inside, wanting to cry. Except I couldn't. I can't show weakness here. Already many of the Khalasar were departing. Only those loyal to Drogo are staying for the funeral. Afterward, they will cremate the two bloodriders before joining the one of the two Khalasars.

My breathing was heavy, feeling like the nine-year-old girl who was kicked out from sanctuary back in Braavos. Will it be another ten years of running from enemies? As long as Rhaego is out of the Dothraki Sea, he is safe. But in the west, he is Targaryen blood, where the Baratheons and Lannisters want us dead. We have a better claimant for the Iron Throne. The blood of Aegon the Conqueror runs through our veins. Do I take Rhaego far east, where there are no slave trades?

Do we go to the Jade Sea? I remember meeting someone who was doing trade in Volantis. He was bright-eyed, wearing silk and fashioned far different from most of Essos. Especially wearing a monkey-tail hat. He said he was from Yi Ti. Living in "the land of a thousand gods and a hundred princes, ruled by one god-emperor." Do we go to Yi Ti, seeing unseen lands where no one would recognize us? Or a little-known island in the Jade Sea?

Far away from civilization and anyone who knows of the Targaryens.

No matter where I go, Robert Baratheon's assassins will be hunting me down. The Dothraki Sea was a sanctuary until now. Now that the Khalasar is gone, we were in slave territory. If I get captured…I stopped myself there. Not wanting to think of the possibilities. However, I have Jorah to help with this mess. He is helping me now, except he could change his mind later. Jorah has been faithful. Will he still be by my side now that I've adopted Rhaego. If things get serious, will he accept Rhaego as his son or be an uncle figure to the boy. There are things a man can do as a father figure.

A hand rested on my shoulder, causing me to jump about to punch the person. Yet the person grabbed it, revealing to be Jorah. Embarrassed and guilty, I looked down, "Sorry."

"It's fine," Jorah said and stared at Rhaego. "How is he?"

"Confused," I said, staring at Rhaego, who was playing with my hair. It was the only thing that was keeping him calm and not scared.

Jorah nodded, rubbing the boy's back.

"Rakharo and Irri are joining us," he whispered.

My eyes widen.

"We need all the men we can get," he murmured.

"Are you sure we're safe in Pentos?" I asked.

"I'm sure Magister Illyrio can help us, he has always supported your family," he said.

I took a deep breath and nodded. Right now, I wish I can change my name and hair and disappear from the world.

"Let's get you two out of the sun," he advised looking around.

I nodded, letting him take us somewhere safe for now.

.o0o.

By night the pyre was assembled for a Dothraki Funeral. A great square made from wood, in the middle, was the Khal's slain horse is in position. Both Drogo's dark horse and Daenerys' silver. Over the horses, the platform is constructed on which the Khal and Khaleesi laid. The platform was put from east to west, from sunrise to sunset. Three rings surround the platform that joined together. Their treasures, offerings, and supplies assembled for the two's long ride in the Night Lands. They are at peace and soon will be with their ancestors.

I knelt in front of the pyre. Irri was holding Rhaego while I did the Faith of the Seven's funeral prayer. Along with a Valyrian prayer. The Khalasar allowed it since Daenerys was raised by the faith of the Seven. Even though she doesn't truly practice. It brought some comfort for me to do so.

Once I was done, Cohollo handed me a torch. I nodded in acceptance as Haggo and Cohollo took their positions around the circle. The two bloodriders nodded as they lower the torch to light the pyre. I did the same. The fire consumed the branches, eating away till reaching the second ring, and finally, the third ring where the pyre was.

My body trembled slightly, yet I took deep breaths trying to control myself. Except it doesn't stop the tears from falling. I stood there, watching the pyre burn. Watching as the flames consumed their bodies, turning flesh into ashes. Time seemed to vanish as the fires burn. Watching Daenerys, who was my sister and daughter, drift away. All I have left of her is her son now. I must do everything I can to protect Rhaego to ensure his parents' legacy continues.

A hand rested on my shoulder. I looked up, seeing Jorah with a guilty look indicating it was time to go. The longer we stay, the more time we lose and the higher the risk of the kos going after us. I nodded, glancing at the funeral pyre for the last time before following him. The Khalasar watched us, giving sympathy but didn't say a word.

We left the funeral where five horses were.

I looked at Jorah, confused, who was confused as well. Rakharo and Irri were there while holding Rhaego. Then I saw the third adult being Doreah.

"Doreah, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Please let me go with you," Doreah pleaded. "I am a slave, bought to please your brother and help Daenerys. She gave me my freedom as her handmaiden…but if I stay… I'll be a slave again."

I sighed but nodded, "I can't promise you security."

"I understand," Doreah assured.

I just nodded again. Irri handed Rhaego over to me. He was asleep, completely exhausted. Irri helped me wrap Rhaego to my chest, so he doesn't fall off. Next, Jorah helped me onto the horse. I thanked him as everyone got on their horses.

No one said a word, as Jorah lead the way. He was in charge of our escape as he knew these lands better than anyone else. The tears continue to fall yet I focus on the child in my arms who needs me more than anything.

.o0o.

It was nearly dawn when Jorah had us stop to rest. We were in a valley where a stream was passing through.

"We'll stop here for an hour, let the horses drink and rest," Jorah said.

Rakharo nodded as he got off his horse, collecting the reins. Jorah came over, resting his hand on my thigh, snapping me out of my daze. He helped me down, before untying the wrap to get hold of Rhaego. The babe was still asleep. Jorah gave him to Irri before taking my hand and lead me to a gathering of boulders. Once we were behind, he embraces me in his arms. The armor was still in the way, yet I grabbed hold of his pauldrons and cried.

I sobbed, clinging onto him for dear life. My walls crumbled. My legs giving away that I fell to my knees. Jorah came down as well, still keeping me secured in his arms. He rubbed my back, giving as much comfort. So much has happened and no time to sit and mourn.

"It's all right," Jorah murmured. "Let it all out."

I sobbed and cried no longer caring. Like a fountain, the tears fell, and wails followed. Time seemed to pass before the exhaustion took over that I couldn't cry anymore. I slumped my head on the breastplate, letting the warm metal soothe me.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this."

"It's not your fault," he assured as he cradles my cheek to look at him.

"I understand if you want to leave," I mumbled.

"I'm not leaving you," he said. "I love you, Alysanne."

I sighed in relief, "I love you too."

Jorah nodded with a small smile as he gave me a kiss. A gentle kiss. He wiped the tears away and handed me his waterskin. I took a sip, appreciating it.

"What now?" I asked.

"We go south through the land of Lhazareen, trade and stock up on supplies," Jorah answered. "Hopefully, we can find direction to a port city or fishing village." He advised. "If we go west to the Dothraki Sea, the first Khalasar we meet will kill Rakharo and I and enslave you women and Rhaego."

"No one will take Rhaego," I promised.

"You're too weak to fight," he noted. "Let alone your hair is noticeable."

"What do you recommend," I asked.

"I hate to say it, but you need to cut your hair and dye it. They'll be expecting White Sister," he answered.

"Well, we are too far away from a Western Market to purchase dyes," I muttered. "And I'm not putting mud in my hair."

Jorah nodded in understanding.

"But I understand," I sighed, drawing out a dagger.

"You are Rhaego's strength now," he said.

I looked at him, "As you are mine."

I took a deep breath tying my hair to be at the exact length. Having it reach my collarbone. Long enough to put up, yet still short. The Dothraki knows me from long hair that reaches my armpit. If I can alter my appearance, then maybe it can help us in our travels. I handed Jorah the dagger, asking him to do it. He got behind me. He grabbed hold of the strand, taking a deep breath while putting the blade underneath.

"Do it," I whispered.

Jorah took a deep breath and cut the hair. It was rough, feeling a sharp pull from my scalp as the hair was being tugged. After three more cuts, the hair was shortened. I felt a weight lifted off my head. I inhale sharply. I looked over my shoulder to see the chopped off hair in his hand.

"We better head back," I said.

Jorah nodded, handing me the hair. I took hold staring at the golden-white strand seeing the years of pain and suffering gone now. Jorah then grabbed my hand, seeing the cut that has not been treated. Taking the waterskin, he cleaned the wound before pulling out a strand of fabric, wrapping it around and tightening it.

"Come," Jorah said as he stood up, offering a hand. "Let's join the others."

I nodded, accepting his hand as he helped me up. Dropping the strands of hair to leave the past behind and move forward. We walked back to the group where they were treating the horses and cleaning up Rhaego. The boy looked tired, confused as his purple eyes searched around for his parents. This will be a hard adaption for him. He saw me and reached out.

Immediately, I rushed over, taking him in my arms. I rubbed his back, comforting him to the best of my abilities. I glanced at Jorah, who held the same feeling. We have a responsibility to protect this boy.

We need to find a way back to Pentos.

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