The Black and Red Dragon

Chapter 91: Jorah the Andal

The dead are defeated. I don't know who did it yet but I am eternally grateful for it. As the relief washes over me, it is quickly replaced with worry. Daenerys and Aelyx, I hope they are okay. I start to make my way towards the wall where I saw Aelyx fighting. It is painful to walk. With every step I take, I feel the burning sensation around the wound, but I am too focused and worried to care. I climb the stairs that lead to the wall. A couple of times, I almost trip over dead bodies but eventually, I see both Aelyx and Barristan standing alive. "Aelyx! Please, tell me you're alright," I ask him worriedly. He looks up at me. His face shows how tired he is. Bloodstains cover his face and multiple cuts cover his arms.

"I am alive, but fucking tired. Gods, I never fought this hard in my life," he says through heavy breathing. "Thank fuck, and you Barristan?" I ask. "I am fine, Aelyx saved me more than once. I am getting too old for this shit," he sighs. I chuckle. "You deserve a rest, my old friend. Aelyx, I need to get to Daenerys. Can you help me? I have trouble walking," I ask. Aelyx nods and we start walking out of Winterfell in search of Daenerys. I lean heavily on Aelyx as we walk around. My leg hurts like hell.

Eventually, we see the three dragons in the distance on the ground. They are curled around something. We walk towards them and, as we near it, I hear the sobbing of Daenerys. My anxiety grows. "Daenerys! What is wrong?!" I ask with worry. I release myself from Aelyx and start running as fast as I can with my injured leg. What I see breaks my heart. Daenerys holds Jorah tightly to her as she sobs. Jorah died defending Daenerys. I feel my own tears falling as I look at the scene. With a limp, I walk to Daenerys and crouch down on the ground next to her. "I am here Daenerys," I say softly and wrap my arms around her. Daenerys continues to cry while holding Jorah.

—

In the early morning, all the survivors that are able gather in front of large funeral pyres. The air is heavy with grief and sorrow, everyone is silent. Every face wears a somber and grief-stricken face as they look towards the funeral pyres. With the help of crutches, I stand next to Daenerys. My leg is heavily wounded and it will take at least two weeks for it to heal. My face is hardened by grief. Jorah may have made mistakes in the past. He may have done things that I hate. No matter what he did in the past, he was still my greatest friend. I bled next to him. I laughed with him. He stood beside me no matter the things we went through. I am grateful to have known him. I glance at Daenerys. It is the same face. One that shows intense grief and loss. I want to console her but I find it hard to be my cheerful self.

I look back at the pyres. Thousands have died. Reachmen. Dornish. Northmen. Ironborn. Dothraki. People from all over the world have gathered here and died defending the world. So many people are dead. So many friends, family, old and young. How can you be cheerful? Even Alysanne is quiet and has a somber expression. When I and Aelyx were brought into the infirmary, she was worried sick. She and Daenerys kept us company throughout the night. Even when we fell asleep, they kept a constant watch on us.

Daenerys touches my shoulder and looks at me with eyes that show her grief. I put an arm around her shoulders and we walk towards the pyre with Jorah on it. As we reach Jorah, I look at him. His body has gotten cold and bleak. Even so, a peaceful expression can be seen on his face.

"Jorah, what are your plans for the future?" I ask Jorah as we ride towards Winterfell. "Hmm, I don't know actually. I want to see Daenerys on the Iron Throne. But what I want to do? I don't know," he answers. "There is nothing you wish for?" I ask curiously. He smiles and looks at Daenerys. "The only thing I wish for is for Daenerys to be happy." He looks at me. "You make her happy. You are her world and together you will be the queens Westeros need." I smile at Jorah. "Thank you, Jorah. We will make sure to give Westeros a bright future. I promise I will make Daenerys happy." He nods. "I'm sure you will. I watched her for a long time, even before you arrived in Vaes Dothrak. Daenerys was never really happy. That changed when you showed up. She was suddenly much happier and looked to the future with excitement again. Thank you for making her happy, Visenya."

I almost fully cry again as I remember my conversation with Jorah. A few tears leave my eyes and flow down my cheeks. Daenerys lowers herself and gives her goodbye. I hear her sob lightly as she speaks to him. I stand behind her leaning on the crutch. As Daenerys finishes, she stands next to me again. "Dany... I can't reach him..." I whisper. Daenerys gives me a small smile and helps me to get closer to Jorah. When I am close enough I put a hand on his chest. "I will make sure your wish is granted, Jorah. May you find peace, my friend. I will see you again when it's my time," I say with a shaky voice. I turn to look at Daenerys again and nod. She helps me up again.

With an arm around Daenerys, we walk back to Aelyx and Alysanne. I stand between Daenerys and Aelyx when Jon walks forward to address the crowd. Jon looks with an emotional face at everyone. He struggles to keep himself calm and not outright cry when he looks at everyone. "We're here to say goodbye to our brothers and sisters. To our fathers and mothers. To our friends. Our fellow men and women who set aside their differences to fight together and die together so that others might live. Everyone in this world owes them a debt that can never be repaid. It is our duty and our honor to keep them alive in memory for those who come after us and those that come after them for as long as men draw breath. They were the shield that guarded the realms of men. And we shall never see their like again."

I look at Jon with admiration. There is no better way to describe their sacrifice and heroism. These men and women were the bravest the world has ever seen. We should feel proud to have fought along side them. A soldier hands Daenerys two torches. I look at Aelyx who stands next to me. "Help me walk?" I ask him. Aelyx nods and I put my arm around his shoulders for support. The three of us walk towards the pyre that Jorah is laid on. When we reach it Daenerys hands me one of the torches. Both I and Daenerys light the wood and soon it starts to erupt in flames. The other pyres follow as Sansa lights the pyre with Theon and Jon the one that has lady Mormont. Grey Worm lights the pyres that have the Unsullied laid on them.

When all the pyres are lit we walk back to the crowd and watch as thick grey smoke rises from them. I look at the body of Jorah as it burns. I will miss Jorah the Andel. I can't help but cry as I watch. Daenerys wraps an arm around me. We both say a final farewell to our dear friend.