The Man // Khal Drogo (1)

9. Tradition

When Oceana was 16 she became pregnant. She was thrilled to have a child, the people in Drogo and hers Khalasar celebrated her like she was a real queen. She was so excited until they informed her of the ritual that she would have to go through. 

"Maybe I'm not pregnant." Oceana decided

Drogo put his hand on her stomach, confused when 'the andal' was called out. Oceanas face puckered. Andal? As in westeros.

She moved past her husband and looked at a man a white man that was a shock in itself. Andal they called him. They seem to know him. The khalassar was large. Had thousands of people spread out throughout the lands, but she assumed she knew the important people. She assumed she would've known if there was another white man from across the narrow sea.

"Khal, khaleesi." Jorah knelt before them.

" do you speak common tongue?" Oceana questioned eagerly he chuckled, nodding. "Im Oceana."

"It is an honor Oceana. My name is Jorah Mormont."

"Of bear island. I read about your house when i was little." Oceana admitted. " it seems silly to me now learning about different houses their sigils their words."

When jorah got to the camp he found himself infatuated with oceana. She enjoyed talking to him too. Speaking common tongue again.  But it was more than that they grew up, similarly, surrounded by people who are all better than them. Or at least thought they were better. They grew up with customs and traditions.

" why come this far?"

" I married a woman and she had expensive tastes... I disgraced myself and my family trying to please her."

" and you decided I'm going to go across the narrow sea and learn the most complicated language known to mankind?" Oceana mused.

" what happened to your family? What is your house name? I don't think I ever asked." Jorah felt foolish now.

" I'm no one. My father had sold me off and drogos father... he saved me." Oceana answered. " I thought they were going to kill me at first. It was very terrifying having a herd of dothraki men coming at me. Swords drawn might i add."

" I can see how that might've been scary. Correction, that would've been terrifying." Jorah agreed.

"Bharbo he opened his arms to me and I knew I was safe. I was scared, but he protected me... my father was Korge Clegane. I don't care for my family much but every day I do miss my brother. My brother sandor." She added.

A man came in speaking much too fast for oceana to understand.

" what did he say? also how did you learn this language so fast I'm still struggling and I've been with them for years. I will admit the first year was less and more... other activities." she giggled out.

" he said it is time."

" I was worried that's what he said."

Drogo was glad oceana had a friend. One that was an excellent translator.

" I have to what?" She demanded.

" yes I know not Westeros customs." Jorah agreed.

"Tell them, tell them I dont want to eat a heart. I will barf and they will lose their respect for me and besides eating a heart doesnt make it a boy!" Oceana declared.

" I know that and you know that, but as I'm sure you know they are difficult..." jorah chuckled.

As part of the ancient dothraki motherhood ritual oceana would have to  eat the tough, stringy flesh of a heart. The Dothraki believe that the heart of the stallion will make her son strong and swift and fearless. If she chokes on the blood or retches the omens are less favorable: the child could be weak, deformed, stillborn, or female.