Who: Daenerys Targaryen + Closed Starters
When: All month, baby.
Where: Mainly Dorc.
What: Just closed starters, all about the draaama with their dilemma.
Warnings: Sad backstory eventually. Mentions of rape and strong depiction of slavery.
[ starters linked individually. ]
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It wasn't as if she purposefully meant to hurt him, it was a blunt tease to keep some... distance between them when they lacked it at the moment. She was still close to him, his form hovered over hers and his familiarity something new to her. Perhaps a defense mechanism.
Her heart was finally calming down, the action only intensifying further in the distance. They were safe, she was guarded. ]
It allowed me the comfort of knowing you hadn't gotten into too much trouble, either.
[ Dany's nose scrunches up at his information, a poor choice to find themselves in now. Him having struck a Coven official, her having escaped an appointed guard. It breeds suspicion and she did not like where it placed them on the totem pole for blame. ]
That's rather unfortunate. [ Her tone was dripping in annoyance. ] We'll need to find others to regroup with – decide on if we return to Aefenglom or face the consequences for this, whether our own group had been involved or not.
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[ he gestures behind his shoulder towards the man taking a catnap a safe distance away. Jorah knows that he puts Daenerys at risk rendezvousing with her out in the open like this, in broad daylight during a heated moment non-the-less. getting to her where she slept didn't appear likely with a guard posted at her door all the way through the night, so this was their only chance. ]
You needn't worry. I am not the strongest advocate of this plan of theirs, but I specifically used it to find you. You need only say that you were separated during the chaos. He will no doubt think the resistance did this to him.
[ he hopes that will be enough. Jorah knows he won't be able to live with himself if he puts her in trouble that could have been avoided, but it was a necessary risk. to see her face instead of visualizing it constantly, to feel her skin against his hand. it was all worth it. hopefully she will accept this selfishness if at least for a moment. ]
I no doubt believe Dorchacht is used to this. It's likely no more than small bouts of frustration for them. There should be no reason for you to leave yet.
[ he hopes not, anyway. Jorah can't leave for a while longer, and while she may be safer in Aefenglom, he doesn't know if their bond would go to such lengths. ]
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The face Dany makes at the realization that she will need to go back is clear: it's sad, but stoic. A duty she knows Jorah accounted for. ]
Of course. Let's hope they believe my little white lies, then.
[ He can have his selfishness, she has hers. His Queen managed to the best of her abilities to act, but something was different here. She must consider others, treat them as equals not as some Queen above all. Any actions he makes on impulse could risk Jorah, could risk others.
She will not risk that. ]
Small frustrations turn into more when you chip away at the moral. I wonder if the Coven will begin to see the push-back as more than criticism... as the tide of change sweeping towards them.
[ There's a few yells of guards in the distance, a few that make her flinch and her eyes focus on her knight once more. ]
...They know I am not a Witch. I can not sway and speak to them in a way that appeases to them any longer. There is only so much I can do.
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she may not be Varys or Tyrion, but he is sure she can keep a poker face if challenged. she has already gotten into trouble on her own before, but he doubts that she is seen as a threat. if she wants to make herself into a threat, she knows how. the woman hardly needs her trio of children at her side in order to do that.
her words paint herself in a not-so-confident light, leading him to furrow his brows once more. he steps further away as the yells come up once more, motioning for her to follow as he leads them down the alley. he's mapped out the area enough to know how to bring the two of them far enough away. by the time they may find her (former) guard, they should be out of the pavilion altogether. ]
If you believe I have put unnecessary risk on yourself, I apologize. I will admit I did not look for you to provide information. I exploited the situation for personal gain.
[ being forced to sleep every night while realizing his Khaleesi is in pain with her body's changes does much to unsettle him, let alone all of the other baggage that comes with the bond they have made. ]
no subject
Since arriving, he could feel her vulnerability flicker like a dying flame. How it's not quite dull, but still sputtering on. Enough to linger and gnaw at her. Without her dragon children, she feels like an ordinary girl making demands – not the woman who had walked through fire and freed cities. Who has brought change.
Jorah has taken her at the right time, before she got impulsive and made a break for it herself away from the ever-watching guard. ]
No, I do not think such a thing. [ She clarifies, sternly: ] Save your apologies for if you need them in the future. You do not need them now.
[ He mentions something about personal gain and she feels a bit of air inhale a bit quicker than she'd like. Not quite a gasp, but there's a tension there. One that she feels amplified since their bond. ]
Do not speak of such things, Ser Jorah. I won't have you talk of exploitation, not for this.
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Of course. I hope that you do not have to hear an apology from me again, however.
[ Dany clearly feels a certain kind of way regarding his words, leaving his shoulders to tense up and his back to stiffen. he usually has words for her in most every scenario, but he doesn't know what would be best said at this moment. Jorah stops walking once they turn a corner, turning around to face his queen with arms tucked around his back. ]
It is the truth, though. You may have been better off and without risk if I had not decided to approach you the way that I did. We cannot argue that it was a selfish act. Whether or not you are okay with such selfishness is what matters.
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You are my most trusted here, you have vowed to die for me and I have vowed to lead you into a better future. If you believe ensuring your only tie was not too deep chaos was a selfish act, I do not care to hear for it. This topic will be discussed at a later point if I feel it is worthy to bring back up.
[ She knows her words are harsh and perhaps it was to keep distance. To keep him from longing and fearing for her – she needs him to clear his head, after all. ]
If you insist on me giving you a lashing for your emotions, perhaps you should find another to serve. I will not. It should be apparent what our emotions can do to us if this bond is as useful as we believed.
[ Daenerys loosens her grasp and eyes soften only a bit – enough to offer reassurance. He had to have felt her anger too, know how she was not acting in best interests as well... They were human. ]
Have you heard if we have a date of returning back to Aefenglom?
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she scolds him in a way and he simply acknowledges it with pursed lips and a firm nod. he's frustrated at himself for feeling so conflicted about what brought him here in the first place, but she's correct. they can talk of this more later if she so chooses. Jorah takes her verbal lashing with appropriate silence, instead only responding by bringing a hand to the one on his bicep. he gives her a gentle squeeze just before she pulls away. ]
You needn't worry, khaleesi. I still much rather prefer being on your good side than to earn your ire. I am not that much of a masochist.
[ he tries to disarm her anger by practically lying down and pretending to play dead. it helps that she shifts the subject to something more central to what they are currently dealing with. for once, he has an answer that isn't just a shrug. ]
Your group should be returning via ship at the end of the month, assuming these riots do not find themselves linked to the dignitaries in anyway.
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It matters not why he found her, he did so at the right time. Just as he did when they arrived. There would be no digging until she was ready. The words neither of them feel inclined to speak are buried, and even in the brief moment of vulnerability – they move on. He sacrifices for her own emotions. Good bear, sad bear. ]
And if they are we have no methods of safe travel back. With the wilds outside at risk with infection, I fear we may become trapped here. [ However, she sighs and crosses her arms a bit defensively. ] I do not plan on returning until I know where we stand with both cities. It has proven disappointing how we are almost shamed in discussing morality during these "dignitary" outings.
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[ Jorah knows that Daenerys is not someone who can leave her work unfinished. to return without truly knowing that her group has even done in terms of progress would frustrate her to no end. he wants to ensure she can see this all through. they decided to form a bond that weighs heavy on both their hearts and minds as a result, so it is only fair that they make it worth their while.
the stomping of feet begins to grow closer, so Jorah doesn't restrain himself from grabbing his Queen's wrist and tugging her behind him. it's a bit rougher than he would like, but he can't risk letting her be found in broad daylight with someone that looks dressed to fit right in with the Resistance. just before the guards turn a corner, he throws the two of them into the nearest room. fortunately for them, the door is unlocked and he quickly and quietly shuts it behind them.
they're in a storeroom, clearly used to stock the vendors that fill the pavilion before reaching the auction. it smells of various scents, likely due to the fact that wax and incense appears to be stored tightly. at least it isn't so overpowering that they end up sneezing, because Jorah has to go back to pinning Dany into a wall with a hand over her mouth, the footsteps threatening to grow closer to the door.
his other hand is prepared to draw his sword, but fortunately enough, someone in the Resistance made an opportune appearance down the alley. seconds feel like minutes as he waits for the scene outside to quiet, his hand still tightly pressed along her jaw. Jorah would normally be more gentle, perhaps even trust her enough to remain quiet on her own, but there's something in him triggering his possessiveness. he doesn't equate it to the changes she has been dealing with, more subtle than not.
he does eventually pull away again with a heavy sigh, wiping the back of his hand against his forehead to clean himself of residual sweat. ]
It is... odd being on this side of things, I must say. I do not like it.
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Dany thinks of those caught in the chaos, even when their tensions boil between them. They were at odds, but her eyes were soft – she missed him too much and knew fate had been kind to return him to her. She would not lose him so easily.
Even among their moment, the city keeps moving. Steps keep getting closer and it isn't until Jorah snaps them from their own conversation to bring her to safety. As he always does. Her feet rush to keep up with him, breath quick and heart suddenly skipping a beat. It happens in a blur – until aroma of fragrance overwhelms her. To the wall she goes with the door shut behind them. Her mouth muffled and instinctively, her hand shoots up to his as well. If they are to be covert – they both will!!!
All they can do is wait. Hold their breath, watch the door, and wait. If it was the guard she had been entrusted with, she prays for his life to end quickly – trusts Jorah to do it if it comes to it. Moments feel like minutes, minutes feel like hours. Her heart rate begins to drop when he slowly pulls his hand from hers and she follows suit – both hands falling limply to her side. ]
I know, my bear. I know. [ She knows what he means. They work in the shadows, like the Sons of the Harpy – like the Qarth noble and warlocks... ] But, we must be. We have survived harsher obstacles. This could have been us in chains if we arrived at this city as opposed to Aefenglom. We fight. Both of us, if need be.
no subject
they'll get back to their world eventually, but for now, he'll settle with putting her ass on a boat and putting an end to her diplomatic duties. they have to get out of this situation in order to do that, first.
he's surprised to find how quick Dany is to put her hand on his mouth, but he's in no position to turn her away. simply feeling her skin against his lips is something he likely never thought he would feel in his life, so pardon him for becoming dazed when faced with such a reality. there's a physical urge to simply sink his teeth into the flat expanse of her palm, to roll his tongue along the lines just to taste... but he controls himself. it's sad how much restraint has to be provided when he would normally never consider such a risk, but hopefully their bond doesn't allow her to read between the lines and know that.
when they both pull away, he's sighing for a completely different reason than the frustration of having to stick to the shadows. he'll use that as an excuse if prodded, but he knows where his mind wanders. Jorah wipes his forehead with the back of his wrist as he simply gives her a nod of confidence. ]
We will need to stay on the move, but this room is safe enough while we wait for the riot to disperse.
[ and he promptly finds a crate that's tightly secured to sit on, knowing they will remain here long enough for them to catch their breath. ]
At least we refrain from stabbing people in the back. The Resistance also tries to avoid the killing of innocents in Dorchacht as well.
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He takes his seat as they pull away and she tilts her head back against the wall. ]
I truly pray civilians are not caught up into this mess. [ A simple wish, one she isn't sure will even be granted. Her gaze points back to Jorah, who does calm her timely. ] No. I am far less concerned with stabbing as I am discussing. A sad day when the former is more achievable.
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he's strong enough to feel more clear-minded when distance is created between them, however. above all else, he must ensure she is safe. keeping it in his pants is by far the easiest way of doing that. ]
You know bloodshed all too well, khaleesi. It is often indiscriminate. Even those with well-meaning intentions can do little to prevent it at times.
[ Daenerys' reign is hardly exempt, but he speaks generally, knowing better than to target any decisions she has made in the past. he doesn't feel it's beneficial for them to speak of the current situation. it was perhaps best to distract themselves until things clear up outside. ]
I am curious how this bond between us has been for you, Daenerys. Aside from the... tradition we shared together, we have not had a chance to speak about anything. Have you noticed anything?
[ he knows he sure has, but he doesn't speak much of that yet. ]
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[ She didn't know where the conversation would lead in this tiny, cramped little room. Almost as if the walls close in on them both, her lungs suck in a harsh breath and she steels herself onward for his questions. ]
It has its benefits, yet it still remains a nature that feels... abnormal. [ They were not meant to feel these things — to empathize and know deeper-rooted feelings first hand as if they were their own. It's unnatural. Yet, she does survive fire without being burnt to a crisp... ] I have noticed the bond works strongly. I do not believe it is tied to how... angry I feel at times, but — I have sensed you. It gave me comfort knowing you were in the city and unharmed.
[ What she doesn't say is: her heart feels heavy and her mind confused. He longs for her, a sense of sorrow and dread being away from her but a pride to know he has returned 'home' to her. She can not read his thoughts but the emotions that wash through her at times were unlike anything she felt.
And she knows why. ]
And you? I trust I have not pained you..?
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it's time to put it to rest. his Queen will be honest with him. she'll let him know how she feels, what she feels from him. he's concerned with where her answers would lead, but they had to bring it to surface either now or later. he'd much rather know here than when they return to Aefenglom. ]
Yes. Magic tends to feel abnormal for those not used to it, I would imagine. We should have prepared for... hm. —Growing pains, I suppose is the word.
[ her words are spoken in a positive light, but he feels that she is blanketing her true thoughts with something more simple. Jorah scrutinizes her for a moment, arms folded together and his eyes studying her intently. he can't force Dany to say more than she wants to, and before he can even think to push for more, she's putting the pressure on him. his answer is at least easier, if only because he doesn't have much to fear regarding what she knows or doesn't know already. ]
Pain is not the word I would use. But I have felt some of the changes you have experienced, khaleesi. Of that I have no doubt. The burning on the back of my neck grows so strong that I have scratched my skin raw. I can only imagine how it must feel for you.
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How unfortunate we have ended up not as Witches, then. [ Sarcasm drips from her lips. Even if there was a magic for them to grow accustomed to – what she has felt from him recently. ] I have felt how confused you feel, how you long for home, Ser Jorah.
[ "Home" – her or the world she will build? She doesn't need to say it. It is implied with how delicate the words are past her lips. Confirming that just as her anger seeped through – his emotions did as well. Her pain, his pain – they were two different things. Physical and emotional. ]
I'm sorry. If I had known I would have been plagued with these damn scales ripping through me, I would have not brought you into this union with me. They manifested more crudely, more roughly than originally. I believe they are settling now.
[ For now. ]
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I can only imagine that this world giving you the powers of a Witch would have been too much to tip the scales in your favor. Would have made you more powerful than before.
[ even in Aefenglom where they are to be free, Monsters are at a clear disadvantage. lack of control in their physical and emotional changes, having to deal with living in a body that becomes progressively more and more foreign... the thought of not only him but Daenerys having to battle that is deeply unsettling. he's no doubt found himself anxious and restless over what the future may spell for both of them, and the frustration of having no say in the matter is clearly felt between them. ]
No, no. I am glad to share it with you, khaleesi. I refuse to have you feeling these things on your own. Even without the bond, I know what it does to you. [ the scars on his arms will always remind him. ] All that matters is that they do not bother you now.
—May I look? I want to ensure they are healing nicely.
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That is not how fate has treated you or I. We should not dwell on it. [ Stubbornly: ] I do not need their power to accomplish my goals. It would make me a hypocrite to wield is with my distaste for this place.
[ Their forms were still mostly human. Jorah was left with more minor changes, admittedly, but Daenerys was thankful some changes in skin that could be covered was all she had wrong with her. Except the lengthening of her nails – okay, that's minor. :( ]
... This is not something you should bear. [ PUN!! INTENDED?? ] My knight, I need you strong for me. Unbothered by the weight of my own afflictions.
[ There's implications in her words – guilt that makes her feel as if this magic was perhaps something they should not have dove into. Daenerys is not eager to admit she is wrong, that their union was wrong – she feels concern and apprehension over what is expected of them now. As if the walls are closing in around them, Dany looks up to him with a hesitant agreement.
Turning to him, she tugs her long braids over her shoulder to expose her neck and roll it to show her shoulder. Unfortunately, the scales have peppered further and some look scabbed over. Eren will provide a lotion to help with that sometime??? Or before?? Who knows with #timelines but for now – they were only inflamed and had no open wound. Currently. ]
They keep me up at night. Itch worse than any razorgrass in the Great Grass Sea.
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[ he is far from what one would consider a dreamer, so Jorah speaks as neutrally as he can. he can respect people who are optimistic; the ones who hope they have their happy ending or great accomplishment that changes the world. Jorah wanted a perfect life for his wife, and it caused him to do things that affected his soul. he wanted nothing more than to return to Westeros once upon a time, and it drove him even further down to the bottom. no more. he's learned to accept and embrace the things that are outside of his control, such as their transition to Aefenglom and even the afflictions that are passed down upon them.
she knows she asks a lot of him to not worry about her. it's in his blood to worry about Daenerys now, to be involved in every one of her affairs mentally, emotionally and most importantly, physically. Jorah does not regret the pain that comes to his body as a result of her changes. he worries just how much she feels of him and his constant battling of emotions over how he feels about her, but he pushes that as far back into his brain and heart as he can in hopes of snuffing it out altogether. so much for that. ]
You worry too much of me, Daenerys. I traveled countless distances across the world to find a cure to a flesh-consuming disease that no one believed was possible to find. You should never doubt how much strength I have if it involves you.
[ let him have his big dick about this, okay. he is generally a humble, modest man, but he can at least say that many others would have died or given up long before. now here they are, Jorah witness to Dany's own flesh problems. oh, the irony...
he's at least glad that she has scales covering her when she exposes herself, or else he'd be staring at bare skin belonging to her far longer than he would like to admit. his fingers barely graze along the non-afflicted area, touching gingerly to see how tight the skin around her scales were. as expected, the new changes seem to be growing pretty deep into her body. ]
Mmf... This is far from the symptoms I encountered. I was perhaps hoping we could do something similar to what the Maester at the Citadel did for me.
[ his own neck grows stiff as he realizes his body was instinctively leaning forward, as if wanting to blow air or kiss the area in some silly attempt to provide relief. Jorah pulls away before making it into a Thing. ]
I am sorry, khaleesi. I wish I could do something for your pain.
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And if you start growing scales, that should be your concern. [ Dany has to keep her distance, keep herself strong too. He does not need her weak. Her voice was sharp, but truthful. ] Until then, pride yourself on how far you have come to return to me and let that be the last of it.
[ The touch raises the hair on the back of her neck and she nearly jumps – he speaks of what the Maesters spoke of and it makes her wince. ]
...I believe if there was any removal to be had, they would ... regrow. There was a girl, no older than I with feathers that she plucked from her body. I believe they grew back shortly after.
[ She's oblivious to how close he gets, but his apologies earn her an amused hum past her lips. ]
Do not. You do enough for me as is. This is simply... as it must be until we find a way to return home. [ And more direct: ] And you – ser, what of your changes?