[open joint post]

[freeing]

Who: Jorah Mormont/Daenerys Targaryen & You (both new and old CR, monsters and witches)
When: During Black City Event
Where: Stables outside of one of the higher class Witch boarding.
What: Dany and Jorah not being subtle in their distaste for the current political climate. General CR building for both new and old, honestly. Dany and Jorah may be willing to both bond strategically with a Witch who can grant them access to better living conditions (and more privacy/privilege). This is a topic we'd like to explore, so it doesn't have to yield a good fit ICly. It's merely a conversation piece! :) If you are wanting to pursue a Bond with these two, please PP cirilla and sustain or hit up my plotting post over here! Replies will come from both Dany and Jorah!

Warnings: Nothing really!


[ The city felt dead to her. The life of this city had been taken from it long ago, in a dream she had not been privy to. The fog added a sense of foreboding, sure – but it was the stillness of the Monster's eyes here. It was the chains that so cruelly bound those who had learned to love them, the collars that choked the happiness away until all that was left was obedience.

Jorah Mormont had seen slaves more closely than Daenerys had. He had both sold them and been one himself. There had been a discomfort on many levels for him since reuniting with Daenerys, both out of concern for her state of mind and the guilt of facing a truth he had accepted long ago of past mistakes. Now, he stands at the entranceway of the small stable gate for the partition Daenerys claimed as her own. The hay crunched underneath their feet as they move, their voices certainly gathering attention. No one knew Dothraki, but it was a brutal sounding language, one with punch and distaste clear despite the language barrier.

Dany paced uncomfortably while Jorah held his position firmly. Their foreign language continues for a few minutes, actually: ]

I am told I am a Monster, told I am brought to a dream, yet it feels very real. I am still a woman and I am still awake seeing this injustice. No different than Astapor or Yunkai – no different than Meereen. Do you not see? It is haunting and to stand by when my eyes are already open feels cruel.

I understand, khaleesi. What is it that you think you must do? You cannot become everyone's savior. Not here. Even so, this is a dream. Worrying this much will only hurt you. Possibly make... other things... worse as well.

But what if it is not a dream this time? It feels real – the magic here feels like it did with Lhazareen witch. I –

[ During this argument, there are a few options to get involved!

A. Feel free to interrupt them, they are being loud after all. Prodding them will earn a defensive glare from Jorah and offensive judgy glare from Daenerys. They will engage in the common tongue, however so you can understand them.

B. If instead you stand by and stare/linger around too much – Jorah will notice you first. Brandishing his sword and stepping out of the gate, he may be inclined for threats with Daenerys showing a bit of pity and trying to apologize for the disturbance. They will both ease up when they realize it is one of their fellow Mirrorbound.

Either way, it seems like this is going to lead into you being smack dab in the middle of a disagreement. Stay around, hear both sides – eventually! ]

Comments

[fulgency]

[When Daenerys directs his attention towards Jorah, Ozymandias studies him a moment. It's obvious that Jorah is older than his queen and Ozymandias' apparent age, which Ozymandias deems to be a good thing for Daenerys to have at her side as age is often a marker of both experience and wisdom. Ozymandias feels it is likely the former is true of Jorah given his place as a personal guard for Daenerys. No doubt, it seems, he has proven his worth countless times on the battlefield. As for wisdom, Jorah appears to possess some based on the heated exchange between the two of them, knowing well enough not to cave to his queen's heated emotions while knowing his place to weather them all the same.]

[But if a soldier's wisdom is the beginning and end of Jorah's is unknown. For now.]

Far from it, Ser Jorah, [Ozymandias admits with a laugh.] What is it that brought the two of you here?

[He looks between both Daenerys and Jorah now, the question being truly posed for the both of them rather than Daenerys alone.]

[freeing]

[ It was awkward for her. Out of respect to the stranger who had still shown her kindness, she does not question his status as King. It would be bold of her to demand only she can be called such regal titles — especially when their worlds were all far and different from one another.

Daenerys does not fall in line like a subject, she stands tall as Ozymandias' equal and proud as a Westerosi Knight. ]

...We are unable to find refuge elsewhere. The boarding homes we've come across encourage bonded pairs or Witches. We are neither.

[ It was an unfortunate truth and both of them can see the bitterness in her eyes. ]

Ser Jorah found this place, which I am thankful for. It is something.

[heartsbane]

[ Jorah is but a humble man, so he accepts any scrutiny that may come from foreign eyes. it has happened in the past, it'll continue to happen now. most would likely assume he is past his prime and not worthy of being Daenerys' direct adviser, let alone the one thing that can separate her from encountering harm. the look on Ozymandias' face is noticed, but he doesn't respond with provocation, arrogance or offense. he stands tall, body motionless with hands tucked firmly behind his back. ]

Something is correct, though I do not want for us to remain here any longer than we must. Hence our, ah, spirited conversation.

[ he won't divulge much on said specifics without his queen's permission, and moves his attention to her as if wondering how much she is looking or willing to discuss with her fellow king regnant. ]

I take it from my queen's words and your lack of exotic features that you must be a Witch. Perhaps you will not mind my asking, but have you been able to learn more of what is going on here as a result?

[fulgency]

[Daenerys' explanation makes sense. From what Ozymandias has observed, even if a Monster were to act independently, it would be with the permission or command of a Witch; thus, calling into question just how independent of an action that really was. He glances again at the surroundings, and the description of it as being something certainly seems apt.]

[His gaze returns to Jorah when he speaks.]

They do not treat me as unkindly as I am sure they have treated either one of you, but they still regard me with suspicion. It's obvious to them that I am not a native to this city, and they care little for anyone who does openly not share or practice their beliefs.

[He pauses a moment.]

Unsurprisingly, the Coven here keeps their secrets closely guarded even from a Witch.

[freeing]

[ From palaces to fortresses to stables suitable for mares – Daenerys thought apartments were bad at first, but now this seems to be quite low on her list. It is hard not to be judgmental, but she pushes it aside in favor for safety. Jorah would never let her live it down if she spoke otherwise – she did survive the Red Waste after all.

Her hand lifts up, a nervous bite to her thumb as she realizes it was all of the mirrorbound treated with suspicion or the same hatred. Ozymandias was social enough from their brief encounter to not raise any suspicions on her end. Yet, here he is having complications. Interesting. ]

Do they wish to know more about you, where you come from if not their city? [ Ozy did catch her attention with that line, though. Shutting people out for being different surely does raise a question – that they understand their way of life is not common to others, even Witches. Her gaze lifts to Jorah. ] So our very own Witches can not do much... I am at a loss of what we can do except wait until our eyes open and we awaken from this nightmare hopefully without collars bound to our necks.

[ It's so clear how the words fall from her mouth, venomous and bitter. ]

[heartsbane]

[ Jorah rather enjoyed the apartments! perhaps he enjoys any set of four walls so long as they didn't contain less than five feet of walking space at this point and isn't a proper judge. stowing a queen away in a stable is a less than ideal approach to acting on her behalf, however, and disappointment is clearly shown on his face as he restlessly scratches at the scruff of thick facial hair hugging his jawline. ]

I see. [ he looks down at his pointed fingernails momentarily before tucking his hands behind his back again to keep them hidden from view. Jorah had thought his changes were at the very least subtle, but it's growing apparent that he doesn't fit the description of a Witch. ] Being helpless and confined at our own choosing is not how I would like to spend the rest of our time here, however long that may be.

[ there's a pause of his own as he considers something, glancing at Ozymandias for a few seconds before lingering his eyes on that of Daenerys. he chews on the inside of his cheek before speaking. ]

Perhaps I can go find somewhere better. Leave you in the care of your friend if he does not mind. I would much rather continue our argument somewhere more private.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias looks over to Jorah for a moment.]

I mean no offense, but it seems unlikely you will manage better without a Witch involved. [While true that Ozymandias has heard whispers and observed signs of a form of resistance, he cannot imagine such a movement to have even modest accommodations, let alone one befitting a Queen and her guard. To those participating, he imagines, that it's a small price to pay in the face of their goals. For some, it may not even truly be all that different from what they've been accustomed to depending on the Witch that lay claim to them.] That is, of course, assuming that you are not caught and added to the auction block. I cannot imagine the natives of this city reacting well to you wandering about the city let alone seeking better shelter than this.

[However, he is not Jorah's sovereign.]

Daenerys, the decision is yours.

[He looks to her.]

If it is a risk you would desire for him to take, I would lend him some of my magic to disguise his appearance enough that he might pass visibly as a Witch. It wouldn't allow for him to more easily resist a command or prevent a Witch from detecting the spell, but if he's careful or, at the very least, able to resist without drawing attention to himself, a glamour should reduce some of the risk.

But I advise against it, [he says with a small shake of his head, earrings swaying with the motion.] There are some things worth such risk. This simply isn't one of them. Unless an opportunity presents itself, I believe both of you are better off making do with this.

[He doesn't imagine that's likely what either one of them wants to hear. Jorah is no doubt quite sincere in his offer to seek something better for her (perhaps even for himself, but that's difficult to judge at this juncture), and Daenerys likely has little tolerance for any of this. She's already clearly and justifiably agitated with the situation as it is. But simply not wanting to hear something is not reason enough for it to never be said. Though a Queen staying in a stable like this is is an indignity, it is a better indignity than some of the alternatives and certainly greater than the potential loss.]

[freeing]

[ For the most part, she remains silently. Weighing the benefits of allowing Jorah to do what he does best – gather information for her. This was far from the first time he's left her in an unknown city to tend to his own matters, fortunately betrayal was not on the menu any longer.

If the stables were all they could find in a haste, she fears there is nothing else unless they fall victim to collars or make friends with the wrong people.

Ozymandias' words do hold true, far blunter than she is use to. They were wise for the moment, enough to tell her what she would need to hear. Weighing the benefits, weighing the risk – she speaks firmly: ]

No. Ser Jorah, you are to remain by my side. I will not have you at risk, even under the guise of illusion, being placed in chains. I appreciate the offer, Ozymandias – but I do not believe we can sacrifice her own anonymity at the moment. You are correct.

[ He talks her down and she commands her knight without regret. ]

We are to remain here, safe. Until this dream takes us back to the waking world.

[ She feels like a fool for being so bothered, like a child frustrated it rained so she could not go outside to play. It seems so simple, so easy to accept but it pains her. Maybe in a way neither man can feel.

Her posture stiffens and she looks to them both. ]

Were there other Witches curious of the noise in this stable...?