randomosity | [For Jorah bearinshiningarmor] The Trust of a Khaleesi

Rumors of a killer painting the walls of Yunkai with the dragon sigil reached Meereen. Daario and Ser Barristan debated back and forth as to who was the culprit, and just what they were trying to accomplish. Barristan, of course, saw how this vigilante was going to create problems and spark a war in Daenerys' new kingdom. Daario seemed to pout over not having thought of it himself. Daenerys kept her mouth shut, but would grin with pride each time news came in; knowing it was Jorah, knowing his plan was working.

Then came the day when word reached Meereen of the official's murder and the violent, fiery display. Barristan was furious and hollered about how civil war was sure to break out and they had lost all hope of peace in Slaver's Bay.

Daenerys sat with her small council discussing the repercussions of this event when word came from the gate house. Ser Jorah Mormont was at the gates, asking for an audience with the Queen. Daario snapped that the traitor had no business being there. Ser Barristan took note of how Jorah had cast off his weapons, and said that there might be some truth in his words.

They debated over who should go to whom, Daario grinned and said he would bring the traitor to the Queen. Barristan, being an honorable man, said they should go meeet him at the gate and give him a proper public trial. Daenerys pondered the options. She knew that if she let Daario escort him to the pyramid, that he would try and kill him. She couldn't allow that.

Thus she declared that the three of them would go down to the gates, and lead Jorah back to the pyramid. This way, she could make sure that he made it to her inner sanctum safely. Daario wouldn't dare commit murder right before her eyes without her command.

So they went down to the gate house and her Unsullied opened the gates for Ser Jorah Mormont. Daenerys said nothing, only made eye contact with him before she turned and walked back towards the pyramid, meaning for him to follow. She gestured for her Unsullied guards to help him with the cart if he required it.

Jorah waited and when he saw who appeared at the gate he dropped to one knee and bowed his head out of respect. He understood the silent command and waved the unsullied off to pull the cart himself. He needed to show humility and that he was humble and repentant.

Once in the pyramid, he abandoned the cart and took his sleeping hostage to sling over his shoulder and the bag with the head in it was in his free hand. He set his prisoner down carefully before going into both knees before her throne and once again bowing his head. He would not speak until given permission.

He saw the distrustful looks from those who were on her small council which he fully expected. He was more interested in how the Unsullied felt about his return. Grey Worm he looked for and tried to read the commanders eyes as he went to the pyramid. He was not certain of the commander's feelings.

He took a slow, quiet breath as he waited for this to begin.

The fact that he had elected to carry his own cart did not go unnoticed by the Dragon Queen. She smiled to herself, knowing he was honorable enough to do so. Daario took note of the movement as well, and made a point to subtly nudge some large rocks in front of the wheels of the cart in the hopes that it would derail and fall over. Ser Barristan pretended not to notice. Daenerys didn't notice this, or she would have reprimanded him openly for it.

No one spoke until they reached the pyramid. The Unsullied guards stood before her, silent as always. Grey Worm was not among them, not yet anyway. Daenerys took her seat upon her throne and looked down at Ser Jorah Mormont.

"You told the gatekeepers that you had information about someone plotting an assassination attempt," she stated flatly. "Explain. And explain how is it you have the nerve to show your face here when it was made plain to you that you are no longer welcome in the city of Meereen."

Daario smirked, waiting for Jorah's reaction. Ser Barristan stood still as stone.

Jorah was able to avoid the stones Daario kicked into his path, but remained silent for now about the stones. Once he was allowed back; however, he would not forget he rudeness.

Jorah did not flinch or falter. He rose his head, but did not dare to look into her face as he spoke slowly and clearly. "I was sent away before I had an opportunity to explain that what I was accused of was based off of outdated information." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I was in Yunkai and heard of the plot against your Grace. I began an investigation and returned to inform your Grace of the dangers within your own walls. The depth of this plot went so high into the city of Mereen that I knew you must be warned. If I must pay with my life for unveiling this plot against you then I am prepared to do so." He said without wavering.

Daenerys' eyes flashed when she looked down at him, hearing him speak in response. "You were sent away because you were found guilty. Outdated or not, the information was valid. You were guilty of it at one time, meaning you are guilty of it in general," she pointed out.

But she listened quietly as he explained what he had heard in Yunkai and of everything he'd done since his banishment. Before she could respond, Daario cut in.

"You think if there was a threat to her Majesty that we would not be aware of it?" Daario snapped.

"It was once your charge to protect her Grace from such threats," Ser Barristan added. "That is no longer your concern - the Khaleesi's safety is our charge now as her sworn guards and counselors."

"Let him speak," Daenerys spoke sternly. "Tell us then, Ser Jorah, if the plot runs so deep, why haven't we heard of it?"

Jorah did not flinch from her accusations and remained silent as she spoke to his first statements. He simply nodded and did not argue that point. He did turn to both Daario and Barristan as they spoke and he sat a little taller.

"I suspect you have heard of the general terror of those who plot against you. They call themselves the 'sons of the harpy'. However, I have captured a member of this group and he confessed to me all of those involved." He paused for a moment before pulling a piece of parchment out of his sleeve beneath his armor. "The man who confessed wrote down those involved in this group. I fear you have not heard of this because many of these names I see standing in this very room now and some have even managed to find themselves trusted enough to be on the Queen's council." The parchment in his hand just had the names. He had a second parchment hidden in his armor with the names along with the added information of where they met.

"I know that the actions of my past make it difficult to trust what I am saying now." He reached to the bag and opened it to reveal the man he had captured who was now once again awake, on the back of his hand was the symbol of the harpy. "This is the man I questioned, if you do not trust my word question him yourself." The other Harpy's in the room might attempt to kill the man, which would prove Jorah's words.

Daario and Barristan both exchanged looks that conveyed their concern. Obviously it behooved neither of them to have Jorah back in the ranks. Besides, his information raised more questions than solutions.

"Even if we questioned this man ourselves, what guarantee do we have that you didn't bribe him to tell us what we want to hear? Or that you haven't brainwashed him into thinking he's given us valuable information?" Barristan pointed out.

Daario glanced among the people assembled in the halls. Looking for signs in their body language to see if there truly was a guilty member among them.

"Who in this room has been identified by this informant of yours as an enemy of the crown?" Daenerys asked.

There were ten petitioners that suddenly seemed uncomfortable in the room and four people had slipped out rather hurridly when the man was revealed.

Jorah looked at Barristan. "When I was sent from this city I had to use the rest of my funds to get to Yunkai. I do not have the means to bribe anyone. As for brainwashing, I am a knight. The skill and grace it requires to spin a persons mind until they are confused as to what their own name is is beyond my abilities." He pointed to the man. "As you can see, other than where I bound him, he is unharmed. He spoke to me of the inner workings of this group without knowing that he was informing on the group. He thought he was meeting with an envoy of the Yunkai leaders who were considering funding this group and sending them 'freedmen' who would join their ranks and cause more bloodshed in this city." Jorah continued.

When Daenerys requested a name, Jorah finally looked upon her face before turning towards the group of Mereneese who consisted of her small council. "This man named Hizdahr zo Loraq as the leader of the 'sons of the harpy'." He was prepared for outrage to ensue from those words or perhaps someone to attempt to attack either himself or his informant.

"So you tell us," Barristan pointed out. "What proof is there that anything you say is true? What proof is there that any of what your prisoner says is true?"

When Jorah revealed the identity of the leader of the Sons of the Harpy, Daenerys immediately looked to Hizdahr. Daario did the same. The man had shrank back from the group and looked as though he was ready to bolt. When he found the Khaleesi's gaze upon him, Hizdahr did indeed try and run for the door.

"Seize him!" Daenerys roared.

Of course the Unsullied reacted with masterful reflexes and grabbed Hizdahr before he could escape. Ser Barristan gave the order for him to be taken away, locked in the dungeons, then he and Daario followed after to question the man. Leaving Daenerys and Missandei alone with Jorah and a few Unsullied guards.

"You have done well to have brought this man to our attention as an enemy, Ser Jorah," Daenerys had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. "We will take this as recompense for your betrayal - but be warned, you are not once again a member of the small council. Not yet. That is a privilege you must earn once more."

Jorah remained where he was, but passed to Barristan the second parchment with the meeting and storage locations as well. He waited for the room to clear to just the Unsullied, Missandei, and Daenerys.

He bowed his head at her words. "I will be forever grateful of your generosity your Grace." He said. "I hope to earn the trust and honor I once held with your Grace." He began before holding up the bag he had placed next to him. "Within this bag is a gift I hope will bring me closer to earning the trust of your Grace."

Grey Worm strode into the room and made his way to stand next to Daenerys.

Jorah opened the bag to reveal the head of the former leader at Yunkai.

A messenger came running in and passed a message to Daenerys. The seal of the Yunkai was upon the message. The message informed her that the masters who had risen up after she had left had been removed from office. The city was once again being ruled by a group of freedmen as she had ordered. There was a promise of fealty to her for the length of her rule and a promise to help defend Mereen should there be need.

When Jorah revealed the contents of the bag, Missandei looked away in disgust. Daenerys did not move. She stared at the leader's head, and was about to reprimand Jorah for committing murder and claiming it to be for her. But the messenger interrupted them.

This was it. He had single-handedly secured her position as Queen of Slaver's Bay. She could hardly believe it. Daenerys paused a moment before she regained her composure and leveled her gaze to Jorah Mormont.

"You have proven yourself capable, Ser Jorah, and loyal. But we cannot simply give out forgiveness for the grievous sin you committed against us," Daenerys glanced to Grey Worm as he entered. "Grey Worm. Is there some manner of punishment or trial for a dishonored Unsullied to undergo in order to prove himself worthy?"

She knew there was, but she could not let on that she and Jorah had spoken already on the matter.

Jorah saw the brief moment of disappointment before the messenger arrived. He saw her hesitate and realized that she had not anticipated his mission to be this successful.

He said nothing as he waited for Grey Worm to speak.

Grey Worm bowed as a salute before speaking. "There is Khaleesi. This one has sent ten brothers out for the test to regain honor. Only one brother has come back." He said.

Daenerys looked from Grey Worm to Jorah. Her violet eyes focused on him, but she still spoke to Grey Worm.

"Do you think it would be appropriate to administer this test to one who is not Unsullied?" She asked. "What precisely does this test entail?"

After a long pause she addressed Jorah. "If you were permitted, would you take this test, Ser Jorah?"

Grey Worm hesitated for a moment. "This one thinks that this test of honor can be used for any man, but brothers have a better chance of surviving. The test involves skills this one learned during training. The test is to be sent out into the wilderness for seven days with nothing but a bit of fabric around the waist. If the one taking the test returns early or does not return at all then they fail the test." He said.

Jorah knew this and when asked he bowed his head low. "I was once a man of honor and trusted by those around me. I would take this test to redeem my honor and the trust and forgiveness of your Grace." He said without hesitation or show of fear.

Daenerys did not hesitate with her reply. Worried though she was for his safety, she knew Jorah was a more than capable warrior. He could defend himself - he had bested one of Drogo's best warriors.

"Then do it. Complete the Unsullied trial and prove that you are worthy of being returned to honor again, Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island," Daenerys commanded. "Grey Worm, take Ser Jorah to a proper venue to complete this test - maroon him on an island if you must. We must be absolutely sure that he does not receive assistance from anyone."

Grew Worm bowed, "This one will be sure his test is valid."

Jorah rose when Grey Worm and a small group of Unsullied surrounded him to take him to begin his test. They took him to the docks and out to a small island. There were hundreds of small islands nearby and only the Unsullied knew which one to strand him on.

Jorah stepped onto the rocky beach of a small island after having to swim to it since there was not a safe beach to land the boat on. This was a rocky island with a volcano on it and not much vegetation. He would have to be cautious of fresh water that wasn't poisoned from the volcano and make a weapon for for himself quickly in case there were any predators on the island.

Grey Worm left orders that three of the islands were to be surrounded by unsullied so that the people of the city would not know which one Jorah was taking his test on. The Unsullied would spend 2 days watching their island before they were exchanged.

Before he left for the island, Jorah had given Grey Worm a piece of parchment he asked him to give to the Queen secretly. In the parchment was the idea to over all the lower buildings of Mereen construct special metal covers that will still allow rain to be properly drained and with special vents that would still allow air to pass freely through the city. Also to add an enclosed walkway along the top of the walls so that men walking a post are not as open to attacks as they currently are. This was the first step in his idea to help restore her relationship with her dragons. He hoped that she would see it as a way to keep her people safe so that her children could be released from their prisons.

When Grey Worm returned he passed the note to Daenerys in secret. Of course she recognized Jorah's handwriting, When she reviewed the plans, she smiled. He really was trying, intent to help her free her children again. She read it over and over again, even taking it to her bed to read once more. It was a good plan, but it would take time and funds that her royal treasury didn't have.

Silently she prayed to the old gods and the new that he would be back, and soon. Daenerys longed to see Jorah's return from his trial. She prayed he would be successful.

A week had passed and Grey Worm had returned to collect Jorah from his trial if he was still alive.

Jorah had crafted a raft and sailed out to Grey Worm's ship. He had a massive bear skin pelt wrapped around his body when he climbed aboard the ship. He was taken back to the city and escorted into the same room where he had been tried just a week earlier.

He walked in far thinner than he had been a week before, his beard had grown out considerably and the bear skin was so huge it dwarfed his tall frame.

Grew Worm bowed, "This one has sent the dishonored one to his test. He has returned alive and has passed the test."

The week had passed by slowly, painfully for Daenerys Stormborn. It took all her self control not to run to the docks when Grey Worm arrived on his ship. But no, she waited patiently in the pyramid.

When Jorah arrived he did look so horribly thin, but the bear skin...she exchanged glances with Ser Barristan, who seemed equally surprised to see it.

"Tell us of your trial, Ser Jorah. What did you endure this past week? Tell us so that we may understand what you've been through, and how rigorous this test truly was for you," Daenerys ordered.

But inside she wanted nothing more than to send everyone away and pull him close and kiss him hard. Her bear had returned.

Jorah bowed low before speaking. "I was sent to an island that truly tested me. The heat was scorching during the day and freezing at night. Most of the island was rock and volcano. The only sheltered place was filled with poisonous animals and large predators.
The water on the island is poisonous. The bear attacked me on the second night. I used a stick I had sharpened to kill the creature. Its body served as food for the rest of my time and the pelt kept other predators away." He explained.

Grey Worm had scouted all of the islands and spoke. "This one has seen this island. He speaks the truth."

Daenerys listened carefully, glancing to Grey Worm when he spoke up.

"Very well - then let it be known that, in our infinite mercy, it pleases me to pardon Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island of his previous crimes against the crown. You are therefore reinstated to your former rank in my small council," Daenerys bit the side of her tongue to keep from smiling.

Daario looked pale, as though he might fall ill. Ser Barristan opened his mouth to speak.

"And we will hear no more on the matter. Is that understood?" Daenerys snapped. There was only silence. "But be warned, Ser Jorah. This mercy will not be extended to you again. Betray me, and you will not be banished nor given an opportunity to redeem yourself."

Jorah put on his mask of stone as he waited. He saw Daario's reaction and smirked inwardly, he could still see distrust in Barristan's eyes but he did not blame the cautious man for still holding suspicion.

Relief washed over him when he heard that he was reinstated. Her words of warning were met with a low bow all the way to the ground. "I am humbled by the generosity of your Grace and swear never to betray you again." She would have to kill him if he did, but Jorah had no intention of betraying her. She was his Queen and he would see her safely back to her homeland and help her to retake her rightful place on the iron throne.

Daenerys glanced to the others. "Leave us. I wish to make my point to Ser Jorah absolutely clear."

No one liked that order, but everyone cleared out - even the Unsullied guards. Daario and Barristan were the last ones to obey, leaving the main chamber empty save for Daenerys and Jorah. She stood up slowly, gathering her skirts about her as she walked down the steps that led to the main landing where Jorah knelt. She gestured for him to stand. Once he rose she brought her hand up to brush over his cheek and look tenderly to him.

"You must be so thirsty, famished even," There was a small ceramic jug of drinking water nearby, Daenerys brought it over and cupped her hands to collect the water for him to drink from. "Are you all right?"

Jorah did not move as she dismissed everyone. He waited for her to ask him to rise. He took the offered water and nodded his head at her question. "I am fine Khaleesi. A few days of rest, water, and food and I will be at my top performance."

Daenerys examined him with wide violet eyes. "Truly...you did all this for me?"

She leaned in and kissed him passionately. "I worried so...I had faith in you, but I worried what I would do if you did not return."

Her hands brushed over his jaw. "You have my leave to do as you like - bathe, get something to eat, whatever you like. You're free now."

She smiled, kissing him again.

"You're home."

[For Jorah bearinshiningarmor] The Trust of a Khaleesi

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