It’s always darkest, right before dawn. I stumbled on the beach and fell to my knees still unable to comprehend everything that had taken place that night. It had been a beautiful evening. The moon shined high in the sky illuminating the waters. Varghaz had been unable to keep his eyes off me. I had never seen him look at me in that way before. I now shuddered at the thought of his on me. He had undressed me with his eyes and struck me so hard I had passed out only to wake from another one of his blows. He and his men and had mocked me then. Tearing at my clothing. Exposing my body. Oh how they laughed as they tore, kicked and slapped. They were not laughing now and never would again.

My stepfather had warned me so many times of the ways of men. When I was about 7 I remember touching his sword. I was not allowed to at the time but it was as if the steel called to me. We had trained each day since.

You must learn to strike fast and strike true. You must use your size and speed to your advantage. Never strike first but when it is your turn, do not let him strike you again.

I started to run grateful for the cover of darkness. I ran straight thru the fields surrounding my home into my house and pounded on my parents bedroom door.

“Mother, father please! Open the door!” There were footsteps and suddenly the door swung open. I flung myself into my stepfather’s arms. Flames roared in the fireplace with enough light to see my dress ripped to shreds and the blood that the waters of Slavers Bay hadn’t washed away completely. My mother was aghast.

“Noelle, are you hurt? Speak child!” But I could only weep into his neck.  ”Alice, bring me some rum and that blanket!” He led me to sit by the fire,  placed the blanket over my shoulders and I wrapped it around me. Shivering. After a few sips of rum, I told them everything.

“You are sure there are no survivors?”

“Father I killed them all.” I said gravely.

“Thank The Seven! We only have a few hours until they realize that everyone is dead on that ship! Alice, see to your daughter. I must make preparations to save her life!”

“Save her life, you say? She only acted in defense, just look at her!” My mother began to protest but he was adamant.

“There is no justice here in Meereen. You know that, my sweet. When the Sons of the Harpy find their ship with the only corpses on board, everyone shall be interrogated.” He turned to me,

“Noone must know that you came back here from the ship. Are you sure noone saw you?”

“I can’t be sure, father. It is still very dak outside.”

“Gather your things. I shall see to your weapons. Alice, it is time you told your daughter the truth.” and with that he left the room swiftly. Mother took my hand and looked into my eyes, “Your father is right. It is time for you to know the truth.” We headed for my room and packed a satchel with my things.

“You must understand,” she began “that I love your father. I have loved him since the very first day I set my eyes on him. We fled from Westeros together. We booked passage on a ship to Essos but when we got there, we were separated. I tried desperately to search for Thomas. Noone knew the common tongue. I was desperate. I wandered the strange, foreign  streets of Pentos, dirty and hungry. I stole some bread and wine from the market and I ran. The merchant I stole from was at my heels swinging his curved sword at me. It was then that I saw him. He was a wonder to behold. He was very tall and muscular. His hair was braided and his skin the colour of copper. Our green eyes met and he strode  towards me.  I fell in a heap to the floor and the merchant was holding his arakh over me shouting and kicking at me. He nodded to his men who easily disarmed my captor. They did not return his arakh. They took me with them. I did not resist. I could not keep my eyes of this dark handsome stranger who saved my life. That night, he took my maiden head and in the wee hours of morning, I fled. I never saw him again. Your father finally found me and we began our life together. That one night we spent together was the night you were conceived. I was both blessed and cursed for I never again conceived another child.  The name of your true father is Khal Barbo. Before the sun rises you must seek out the last Targaryen. She will help you. When you meet her, you will understand why.”

Mother drew me into her arms then dressed me into clean clothing and soothed my wounds. That was the last time I saw my mother and the only father I had ever known. I set off in search of the last Targaryen. Daenerys Stormborn.