Who: Daenerys Targaryen & Dany Hanson Where: Mar-Vell Park When: Tuesday, shortly after Daenerys' arrival What: The Queen meets her Hand Status: Closed, complete
Even after meeting the woman in person, Dany still couldn't believe she was in the presence of the woman she'd been named after. Until now merely a character in a novel, Daenerys Targaryen was now here, in the flesh, and wanting Dany to be her Hand. Honestly, between her hero worship of the woman and just what a soft yet commanding presence she had, Dany was already pretty much down to do anything asked of her. Wearing a long, flowery purple dress (she wanted to look at least similar to how the queen would be used to seeing women dress), she led the blonde beauty through Mar-Vell Park, trying to gently fill her in on just HOW different this place was.
"So, yeah. That's how the whole alternate-reality thing works. And I haven't even gotten to what we call 'face twins' yet. There's something that still freaks me out, even now."
The beautiful young Khalessi listened intently to Dany. As they walked she stoppeed here and there to ask a question. She felt very wise to have chosen Dany as her Hand of the Queen. She still had room for a small council. For once she felt extraordinarly lucky. She had always had faith in herself, but meeting a god today made her think twice about her religion. She made a mental note to discuss this later with Dany.
Dany's delibrate choice of clothes even impressed the Queen more. Smiling at Dany, she responded, "I understand the alternate-reality thing . I understand it better now. Thank you. What are face twins?"
"Well... due to people being from different worlds entirely, sometimes people will show up looking exactly like you. Totally different person, but they share your face." She paused, trying to think of an example. "For instance, my girlfriend, Betsy. There's a young witch from another world named Madison who looks exactly like her."
"Thank you for your explanation. It is easier for me to understand concrete to abstract. I'm sure you'll make the other elements I should learn, just as understandable."
"Do I have a face tw... those are moving wagons without horses.? " Looking around she noticed more and more wagons moving along the streets. They were solid, not like the brick ones in Westeros. "What are they?"
"Those are transports." Dany told her, realizing immediately that she'd made the right choice in taking her somewhere in which she'd see new things at a slightly slower rate. "Some are what we call 'cars', others are called 'shuttles'. People use them to go from one place to another, much like your people used horses and wagons." And hm. Speaking of things she wouldn't be familiar with... "Another thing I thought of... I know that in your world... if people have special powers that most people don't, it's because of magic. That's... not always the case here."
"I am familiar with blood magic and the magics of the Warlocks from the house of the undying. All magic I know is evil, except the magic of the Lord of Light. "
"Right. That's why I'm making sure you know.... here? Not only is a lot of magic good, but some of us...." she made sure to use the term 'us', to signify she meant herself, "were born with powers. With magic in no way involved."
Daenerys stopped to look at Dany as if she might see her powers, but that's not what she was doing at all. "What kiind of powers does the Hand of the Queen possess?"
"I have... two mothers, technically. One of them is a shapeshifter. She can assume the form of anyone, male or female. And well.... while doing so she got my other mom, Jodie, pregnant with me. And passed that ability on to me. I can make myself look like anyone, or like someone totally new."
Wide orbs looked at the beautiful Dany. "That is a very powerful ability to have. What other things should I know about my hand?"
"Umm..." Dany blushed, not expecting the focus to be on her. "Well... I'm a shapeshifter, I'm dating a beautiful girl who I love very much, my aunt and her wife are here.... there really isn't much more to say about me." She couldn't help giggling a little as the next words finally came out. "I have to say this... I promise I mean this with ALL respect... you are just ridiculously beautiful. Like... it's not even fair how pretty you are."
Daenerys listened to Dany smiling at how adorable Dany was, smiling at the high flush on Dany's cheeks. It was a trait Khaleesi found endearing.. Dany's giggling got to Daenerys Stormborn. The giggling brought a crimson flush upon her own cheeks. "I've never had a woman tell me I was beautiful. For some reason it makes it more my truth than when men inform me. I take it with the respect it is given. I think you are quite beautiful."
"Ok, so this is officially the best day of my life..." Dany admitted with a sweet, embarrassed laugh. "I wish Jodie was here... she'd be in AWE of you." She composed herself, trying to get back to the task at hand. "I already sent a message to Queen Irinia, inquiring about land for you. Obviously I'll keep you up to date on anything I hear from her. And once we get you to your temporary quarters, I'll show you all the different ways to use the communication device the Welcome Center gave you. Once we get to the city.... it's going to be very overwhelming at first. Things are much more advanced than anyone in your world is used to."
Danerys came to the conclusion that so far this was only the tip of what was to be. She knew adjusting would be difficult. "I wish your mother were here as well, since that would bring you great pleasure. I'm proud to be a part of the best day of your life, for what could have turned into chaos and it did not, because of you."
Danerys saw most people using their devices. She also noted how happy everyone seemed to be. She knew she stuck out, but she didn't care She'd rather have clothes from Westeros other than what she saw the young women wearing.
Starting to walk again, she asked, "Does the Queen not get jealous of all the royality around. Is it a threat to her?"
"It's been.... surprisingly peaceful here." Dany replied, clasping her hands behind her back as they walked, trying to think of any details that might help her new queen. "Irinia tries not to get involved in how the individual cities and kingdoms are run, which probably helps. Doom, Shiklah, T'Challa, and Irinia herself are the ones who seem to hold the most regard"
As they walked, Daenerys would point at specific items , asking about them. As had become the custom, Dany would answer in concise sentences giving the Mother-of-Dragons concrete answers to abstract concepts.
The wind picked up playing with the tips of the last Targaryen's hair, they danced in the breeze. It was scented with the fresh smell of cut grass. A smell Daenerys had never smelled before. "What do I smell?"
Danerys took in a deep breathe and sighed . Something new had happened to her. She was here now but worried about her people back home (but specifically Jon Snow).
Back in her timeline, the Night King had Viserion. Her only conclusion was that Viserion was an ice dragon. She had no way of knowing how the Night King turned creatures but, ice was the only logical answer. She couldn't help but wonder if Drogan and Rhaegar could beat Viserion ? She was sad at that thought, but thoroughly loved it that she would be raising them again. This time she could do things a better way.
Smiling she turned to Dany, "I am so glad you convinced me that you should be my Hand. I am also glad I took you at face value. A wise Galadorian advised me not to take people at face value. Did I phrase that correctly is it Galadorian?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Dany said with a now, feeling on cloud nine right now. "And that smell?" She asked, puzzled for a moment as she inhaled the fresh air, before it hit her... Daenerys had never really been in a place with truly clean, fresh grass and trees... it had been mostly deserts, and wastelands, and cities... "Enjoy that, Khaleesi. It's the smell of clean air and fresh grass."
Daenerys Stormborn took in another deep breathe and smiled. "This is my favorite smell aside from rain," she spoke truthfully. She remembered the smells of sex and shit in King's Landing. "if I get to sit on the Iron throne, I will do everything I can to change the smell of the Capitol City, but I have a gut feeling that I am stuck here. You make it easier for me, and for that I am in you debt." Raising a brow, she asked a serious question. "You said you have a girlfriend, is there anyone else you want or need to live at Dragonstone, that is if Queen Irina allows such a thing."
"Yes, my Betsy." Dany said, just beaming as she mentioned the girl. "And... honestly, if my Aunts, Cynthia and Quinn, would like to live there, I'd love it. Other than them, I don't presume to ask you for anything, Your Highness."
"If the Queen allows me to have a place like Dragonstone, there will be plenty of room for all. I can not have my Hand distracted by such things Those you love will be welcome." Daenerys walked with both hands clasped in front of her, "It's important to have those around you who love you. It would be my honor to host your family in our Castle. How is your girlfriend taking your wanting to relocate? We have made this instant bond that many people may not understand. "
"You do not have to live there if it causes trouble for your Betsy, family and friends. But it would be my pleasure if you did."
"She's fine with it... she just wants her guardian, Kira, to be able to move with her." Dany gave a nervous laugh, running her fingers through her hair. "So, right now I'm just hoping Kira goes for it. And I agree, by the way... I'm honestly still shocked at how quickly you and I bonded. I keep expecting this to be some kind of dream or something."
"I promise you, this is no dream. I have been in a dream at the House of the Undying. I dreamed of my husband and son. The dream was so seductive, so real; I knew it was a dream. This doesn't feel like a dream. I could never imagine such wonders as I have seen in these few hours. I know I have much more to learn in order to navigate this life. I'm glad I have you Dany, you have already proved how beneficial having you as my Hand. I know I can count on you. " Daenerys hands separated so she could use them while talking. It is my hope that I do not bother you with my subsequent questions."
"Oh, heavens no!" Dany answered quickly, eyes widening. "I consider this both part of my duty, and something I sincerely enjoy doing. This has to be a big adjustment for you... I'm honored to be the person you come to for help with it. And.... what you said? About the House of the Undying? That was part of the stories about you. That had to be just.... heartbreaking."
"Losing my dragons was definatley unpleasant. Then you know that the Warlocks chained me up. A simple Dracarys and they were all burnt by dragonfire. Losing Viseron was truly heartbreaking. But they are all here now as babies." As she was talking her smile became a frown and the heartbreak she suffered written on her face.
"Keeping them fed is cruical. Is there a way we can have farm animals we raise to feed them. They grow quickly. Soon they will be large enough for me to ride. "
"Absolutely. While much of Galador's original population was wiped out by war about 15 years ago... most of the wildlife remains. They may not have the same animals you typically fed them, but they'd be similar enough to sustain the dragons." Dany told her, already wracking her brain to try thinking of anything she could do to make all of this easier on her new friend. "It's going to be strange at first, not knowing anyone here. But I'll help you meet people. You'll soon have friends, a kingdom, and people to populate it."
"In many ways you remind me of my former hand, Tyrion. There are some things you already excel in that he never mastered. It would be glorious to have my own kingdom," her eyes dancing at the thought. All she knew how to be was a Queen, a Khaleesi. The thought of living her without subjects was like a flower without water. She knew she'd been lucky fo find Dany and for Dany to be so capable. The breeze still played with her hair, but she didn't mind. She was enjoying the day and getting to know her Hand better. "Would you tell me about your Betsy?" She smiled knowing Dany would either giggle or blush or both.
Indeed, a bright smile formed on Dany's face, as she blushed lightly. "Betsy... she's just so wonderful. She's a tiny bit younger than me, but not much. She's beautiful, with long brown hair, and the most perfect legs you cou-.... yeah, I'll skip that. But beyond the obvious attraction, what made me fall in love with her was how she took care of me." Dany sighed, thinking back to that horrible weekend, but how amazing it turned out. "One of the refugees here... her sister was dying. And... to help give her peace, I used my abilities to look like her husband, who'd died a while back. It worked, and she at least died with a little bit of peace... but it messed me up, bad. I barely moved or talked or ate for days. But she stayed with me the whole time, caring for me, making sure I ate, comforting me... she was amazing."
"She sounds amazing indeed," Danerys winked at Dany a knowing wink. "Then the Hand has the support she needs". A shadow danced over the young Queen's face as she thought about Jon and his safety. She was not there for him which cut her to the bone. Shaking her head as if she were riding it of cobwebs. "I have someone back home." Daenerys shared for the first time with anyone. Not even Tyrion knew, or so she thought. "He gave his life for something he believed ," wringing her hands together she forced a weak smile for Dany. The Red Lady brought him back to life. Are there tales about Jon Snow as there are tales about me?"
A part of her wanted to ask more about Khal Drogo, about her time with The Dothraki... but she wasn't about to overstep her boundaries. "Yes, most definitely. Jon Snow and his family were a very big part of the stories."
Daenerys smiled, thinking of Jon Snow. "I hope they got it right, he is wise, gentle and kind. He is a man of moral issue. I'm glad he will be remembered favorably. So, Daenerys second of her name, what do you do for fun?" The Mother of Dragons never had time for fun, she was too busy conquering Kingdoms having little or no time for fun. Her fun was limited to the arms of a man. She thought she might have a chance here to find out exactly what fun could be. She'd been run for half her life then she became a Khalessi, always she had one responsibility or another.
Dany thought about that. She was far from a typical girl with her interests.... never much of a partier or social butterfly. "I'm probably not the best judge of what's fun, but... honestly? I read a lot. I like going for walks and listening to music... I used to go to movies with my friend Riley..." She paused. Daenerys would have no idea what a movie was! "Movies are... similar stage performances, but are shown on a big screen."
Daenerys waited eagerly for Dany's answer. She wondered about Dany's friend Riley, this was the first time she'd heard of him. Deciding not to press the issue, she also thought about the books they read in this time. Surely they had books that weren't about dragons. She tried to imagine the books and the music that must live in this land. She was able to keep up with what Dany was saying until she started to explain movies. A screen was a difficult concept. "I don't understand what a big screen is." There was nothing ordinary about Dany. The deeper Daenerys delved into Dany's characteristics the more she felt she knew the woman.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness." Dany said, nibbling her bottom lip as she thought of a way to explain. "Ok. So... imagine a biiiiiig sheet. Like something you'd use as a curtain. Stretched wide against a wall. Performances are put on something called film, and that is shown on that sheet for people to watch." As usual Dany was able to make the abstract concrete. Khaleesi smiled from ear to ear. "I understand, I must see this thing called a movie."
Nodding as Dany spoke the first of her name was quite pleased with her Hand. "The wardrobes here are striking different. I can not tell the difference between some of the men and women. " Shaking her head to the negative, she wondered if she would ever fit in here. There were so many differences. "I am concerned about finding a Seamstress. I do not want to wear the clothes of your time. Is it possible for me to continue wearing the things I am used to wearing?"
"Absolutely, Your Highness." Dany said confidently. She knew that even if she had trouble finding someone here who could make those clothes... worst case she could have Wade bring some damn cosplay outfits up from earth. Once we get you someplace you can rest, that will be the first task I begin. As for our clothing... i suppose it would be a bit jarring to see for someone from your world. I mean... some of the outfits females in this world wear to pubs and such make them look more like the kind of woman Tyrion would pursue." She said with a smirk, as really, she only dressed in skimpy clothing when it served a specific purpose.
"That is truly a weight off my mind, Lady Daenerys. I do not think I could wear some of the shoes I've seen, and women in pants with holes in them, they must be very poor. How many royals live in Galador and do they know their followers are so destitute? I do not see any starving people here. That bode's well for this place."
"Oh... the pants? With the holes? Hard to explain, but it's kind of a fashion choice. No, the planet is doing pretty well, actually. Between business deals a few people have made, as well as a wave of new businesses... things are really good. Even brand new people don't have to go without, and are given temporary living quarters until they can get something on their own."
"The Queen here is a very wise woman indeed. I'll like to meet this Queen of Galador."
"I'll make sure of it." Dany said, feeling oddly like she was meant to have this position. "I will do my best to make sure you have anything here that you wish for."
"I am a Queen in a foreign land. The differences will not always be so bothersome, as I learn quickly. A Queen is only as strong as her Hand."
"You know, Khaleesi?" Dany said, adopting a more playful tone as they continued to walk. "I think this is going to be one amazing friendship."