Talking

Thoughts

I do not own Game of Thrones, A Song of Ice and Fire or Star Wars

The guards of Pentos had seen many things in their time watching the gates of Pentos, mostly Dothraki bands coming to claim spoils. What surprised the dozen men that day was a strange boy, because his height could not be that of a full-grown man, leading a group of fifteen woman along the road. They had one horse that pulled a long boat with a tarp over it, the sides had makeshift wheels along it. It moved smooth enough but was not something that would last much longer or through rougher terrain.

The woman all had various looks to them, obviously they came from all over Essos and some from Westeros. Each were wearing patchworks of clothing looking to be torn from other places and haphazardly stitched together. The man had a strange helm on and his stance made them think he was a warrior, or at least someone who was not to be fooled with. He spoke the Pentoshi tongue well, and he paid them well to let him and his woman through. They had been tempted to search the makeshift cart, but something changed their minds, they thought it odd later but paid it no mind as others began arriving to the city.

Jon was feeling good about his choice to allow the woman to come with him, he had learned the languages for Pentos, Myr, Lys, Tyrosh and High Valyrian in the Old Ghiscari like they do in Slaver's Bay. The woman had also told him much about the areas they had all come from, which gave him ideas about where he should travel to next. Jon had used the Force to read them after learning their languages, the reactions and feelings they had to him varied but all could be trusted for the trip. Four women surprised him, first was the Braavos woman Lerasha, who had been their spokeswoman when he found them. Her story was no act and she remembered the history of her people, so much that with the fact she was freed from slavery she was now almost devoted to Jon. She had worked for a cloth merchant and was kidnapped by the men, who were from the Slavers Bay.

The second was a woman from Westeros, more specifically Gulltown in The Vale, where she had been a cook in a tavern. Alyssa Stone, Jon was a bit happy to be in the company of another bastard, had always wanted to travel the world, though as a prisoner was not a choice she considered. Despite that she was a bit happy Jon was letting them travel with him, so she could explore and feel safe.

The last two were both woman from Pentos, Oraya and Dilia, who had been whores and taken off the streets by the slavers in the guise of being paying customers. What made them the oddest of the four though was they held a deep reverence for Jon and called him Azor Ahai, which was a mythical hero in their religion. It seemed his lightsaber was what they believed the fabled sword Azor Ahai wielded, Lightbringer. It didn't matter that Jon denied it, they knew the stories enough to believe Jon was the hero come again.

The remaining dozen woman all warmed up to Jon some, but it was clear they still had trouble being around a man, despite him being a teenager. He planned to use some of the money to send the woman home he just had to be sure they could be trusted with the task. Something he could find out but would have trouble convincing the woman of. "Azor Ahai this way." Oraya said as she began to lead them through the city, since she was from her Jon decided it was a good idea. "I know a place we can sell everything and where the bank is to keep it."

"Calm yourself Oraya." Jon said and looked around. "We do not want to draw to much attention to ourselves." The woman nodded but continued to lead them onwards, most of their cargo was weapons, jewels and some coins from all over. Jon was glad the woman was familiar with the seedier places in Pentos as some of these things were most likely stolen, possibly from Pentos. It could cause several problems if they were caught selling to the original owners, or friends of them. Lerasha was also glad because she wanted to show off her merchant skills to Jon and the others, which Jon was happy to watch as her skill was greater than his.

"I will return soon Azor Ahai." Jon looked to Dilia. "I have someone I must speak with." Jon nodded, she than ran off down the streets.

The group continued on, getting some looks as they did and Jon made sure to keep his senses open as they came into seedier looking areas. Oraya soon lead them to a large building with purple curtains, four men were seated outside the door way playing some kind of game with dice. Jon could tell it was a rouse though as they didn't seem to care about the numbers nor the money being passed around.

Oraya walked up to them and spoke with one of the men, pointing back to their makeshift cart and then to Jon. Soon one of the men walked over to him with Oraya. "You wish to do business with Donyllo?"

Jon skimmed his mind to see if he meant any harm. "Yes I do, is he available?" Jon sensed no ill intent from the man unless he tried something.

He nodded. "Donyllo is always available if it is worth his time." He looked at the cart. "May I?" Jon nodded and walked over to the cart, pulling back the tarp he showed the man a bit of their spoils. "I think Donyllo will want to speak with you."

Donyllo turned out to be a pudgy man who was just a few inches taller then Jon, his hair was black, curly and his beard forked into two braids. He wore a purple robe over a cream-colored tunic and had a servant following him around with a tray of meats. His men had pulled the cart around the back of his store, though watched by Lerasha and they were now inspecting everything. "You have come across a great many treasures my friend." Donyllo chuckled and twirled one of his braids. "Though Oraya tells me it is not all your work."

"Yet it is all in my possession." Jon answered back. "Isn't that all that matters." Donyllo chuckled.

"Yes, yes this is true." He looked around at the items. "What price do you want for it all?"

"Lerasha." Jon looked to her, she nodded and walked over.

"You have a woman speak for you?" A man asked with a chuckle, joined by others.

Jon looked at him. "I let someone far more intelligent in these matters do my business." He looked him up and down. "Actually, she's probably more intelligent than you in everything." The other men laughed, he frowned and started to take a step forward.

"Come now Belor." Donyllo stepped between Jon and the man. "We should not insult our guests, I apologize for him." He smiled at Jon. "Now my dear..Lerasha yes?" She nodded. "Excellent, please come and let us discuss my price."

Jon watched as Lerasha and Donyllo moved around the warehouse, inspecting every item and discussing its possible value, he would admit the woman was more impressive than he thought she would be. Donyllo was getting the better end of the deals, as Lerasha tended to fall closer to is price than her original value but there were a few times se got the better of him. Jon could tell she was a bit nervous, as she wanted to impress him, but he had stressed any money is a gain to them so she was not overly pushing. A skim on her mind showed she was favoring him a bit more to keep possible future negotiations, though he did have a silver tongue and was good at his craft.

"My friend." Donyllo smiled and he walked to Jon, the negotiations over with. "You have found a rare treat in the lovely Lerasha. I would steal her from you if I could, but I fear I don't have as good a reason for her trust as you do."

Jon nodded. "She has impressed me as well." Lerasha smiled at him, Jon held out his hand. "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

"Oh it was a pleasure." Donyllo said as he shook Jon's hand. "And remember if you need to unload any more… findings, I will be happy to help." Jon chuckled with him. "Now I shall get you a note of promise to the Bank of Pentos, there you can gather the gold I owe you."

Jon did not know what it was but didn't want the people gathered to think he was a fool, a quick look into Donyllo's mind showed him what it was. Basically the bank would pay him the gold and Donyllo would pay them back. Jon liked this because he could just open an account there instead of carrying all the gold around and he could move it to different accounts for the woman when he left Pentos.

Getting the note Jon and the woman headed out, he needed to find them all a safe place to stay and it was starting to get dark. "Azor Ahai!" Jon looked to see Dilia, followed by a man in red robes, walking towards them. A few of the woman gasped and moved back behind him, which caused Jon to wonder who they were, especially since the women hadn't been here before to have met them.

"This is who you claim to be Azor Ahai?" The lead man asked as he looked Jon up and down. "He is but a boy."

Jon inspected the men, the one talking was older than the others and the robe hide his body, but he had greying hair that was thinning. "And you are?" Jon wondered.

"He is Azor Ahai." Dilia defended. "I have seen him fight and he carries lightbringer."

The man ignored her. "I am Harlicho of Pentos, Priest of R'hllor." He frowned at Jon as he spoke. "This woman claims you are Azor Ahai and you wield his blade, show me."

"I see." Jon replied. "Well I am not this Azor Ahai so have a nice day."

Oraya grabbed his arm. "Please, you are him and you will save us from the Lord of Darkness." She gripped him tightly.

"She is right Azor Ahai." Dilia said. "Please."

"I know you two think I am some great warrior reborn, but I have no knowledge of this legend nor do I have an interest in being guided or worshipped." Jon sighed, his new knowledge made him skeptical of gods and goddesses. He preferred to trust in the Force and so far it had not let him down.

"A waste of the temples time as I thought." Harlicho said and eyed the girls. "This foolishness will not be tolerated." Both looked down at the ground. "We shall see what R'hllor decides for your punishment, come to the temple."

Both girls moved towards him, but Jon held his hand to stop Oraya. "No."

"What?" Harlicho was shocked and frowned at Jon. "This is not a matter you have a say in."

"These women, all of them." Jon waved to all the women he brought with him. "Are under my protection, if you wish to harm them you will need to go through me and I can assure you that will not go well for you."

Oraya carefully pushed his arm down. "It is fine." She gave him a small smile. "It is a great responsibility to bare the name Azor Ahai, when you a ready you will accept it."

Jon let out a sigh, it was going to cause more trouble, but he wasn't about to let someone be punished when he could stop it. "Fine, you want proof I am this Azor Ahai, take me to you or temple and I can prove it."

Harlicho's frowned deepened. "I have no more times for these games, if you follow me to the temple and we find you are not Azor Ahai you all will be punished."

"Just lead us there." Jon replied bored, the sooner this was over the sooner he could move on. Harlicho huffed but turned and started walking.

"Some of the girls are nervous." Jon looked over his shoulder to see Lerasha speaking to him. "Perhaps we should wait here."

"You may if you wish but I promise I won't let anything happen to you all." Jon said before looking forward. "There is a strong chance when they wee my weapon, as Dilia and Oraya did, they will believe me to be this Azor Ahai." She nodded and fell back to speak with the others, Jon took the time to notice they were still huddled together but followed along.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Red Temple of Pentos was a massive building made of a stone that had a slight red hue to it. The main floor was tall, several columns scattered through out for support and look, and was mostly open to allow light and a breeze through. All around the outside of the building were large braziers and room around them for people to stand, Jon guessed they were part of rituals for the religion. Quite a few priest, both male and female, moved about the temple as they entered and Jon noted some followed after them.

Harlicho led them to the middle of the temple before he stopped and looked at Jon. "Well, what proof do you have that you are Azor Ahai?" He spoke loudly, and several priests turned to look at them. "Or shall we see what punishment will fit your crimes against R'hllor?"

Jon said nothing as the murmurs started, he simply reached back and pulled out his lightsaber. "Very well." With a flick he turned it on and the priests all gasped as the white blade formed, Jon especially enjoyed the now pale face of Harlicho. "Will this suffice?"

"Azor Ahai." Mumbled Harlico before he dropped to his knees. "Forgive my impudence, so many claim to be our savior and we always find them lacking. To think a whore would find you it just….." He bowed his head. "Please forgive me."

Jon turned off his weapon. "Stand up." Harlicho did so, Jon turned and pointed at the women. "You want my forgiveness? Than you will see to it all of these women are returned to their homes or where ever they wish to be taken." The women looked surprised but Harlicho nodded.

"We will see to it." He quickly answered.

"Their safety is paramount in this." Jon put in. "If I find out a single one of them was harmed, well…" He quickly flicked his lightsaber on again and swung it down, cutting into the stone. Harlicho starred wide-eyed at the scorched stone and the now deep cut on the floor. "Am I clear?"

"Yes Azor Ahai, I swear we will only use the most trustworthy means." Harlicho answered, Jon quickly looked into his mind and saw nothing but devotion and drive to prove himself.

Deactivating the blade Jon looked at the women. "You all will be safe with Harlicho, e will make sure you get home."

"The red priests burn people to death." Someone yelled. "They'll kill us all." Others nodded their heads.

Jon looked to Harlicho. "We would never sacrifice the ones you charge us with."

"I trust him, it is up to you, but this will be your fastest and safest way home." Jon tapped into the Force and made sure to project safe feeling as he spoke.

"We have places for them to stay and sleep while we get things setup." Harlicho assured Jon. "Food and clothing can easily become available."

"Then I will leave them in your care." Jon said and began to leave.

"Where may I find you Azor Ahai?" Harlicho quickly asked. "Incase we have need of you?"

The last thing Jon wanted to do was get involved with a church, but he didn't want to ruin the chance for the women to get to safety. "I have yet to find a place to stay and before you offer do not wish to stay in the temple."

Harlicho nodded. "Of course, you wish for some privacy but allow me to offer assistance." He looked around the room. "Sallio!" A younger looking priest ran over to them. "This is Sallio, he is familiar with many of our followers and I'm sure we could find someone willing to find you a place with some privacy."

Jon knew it was a ploy to keep up with him, but it was a good offer and would save him some money. "I think that would be agreeable."

Sallio smiled. "Please follow me Azor Ahai, I know of someone who would be happy to help."

Jon nodded and gestured for him to lead. "It was wonderful meeting you Azor Ahai and I will keep you appraised as we get these women to safety."

"Thank you." Jon said over his shoulder, he wasn't surprised when Lerasha, Alyssa, Dilia and Oraya followed after him. "No wish to return home?"

"I owe you my life." Lerasha answered simply.

"I am curious to see what meals I could learn to make from this mans cook." Alyssa replied. "And from other places in Pentos."

"We will follow you anywhere Azor Ahai." Dilia answered while Oraya nodded along, Jon sighed internally but nodded his head.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Belaphos Vollirah was the current head of a wealthy merchant family in Pentos, they had connections in Myr which lead them to being the biggest importer of Myrish wines, almost every vendor in Pentos got their stock from them. At thirty years old he was one of the richest merchants in Pentos, had a beautiful wife, two gorgeous mistresses and was not at odds with any of the other wealthy merchants. Finally, he was a devout follower of R'hllor, at a young age a priest saw a ship he was supposed to be on go under, he humored the priest and stayed home. When word reached him of the ships disappearance, he started to follow the faith more seriously and over time he became more convinced the Lord of Light was real.

So when one of the priest brought forth a boy and claimed him to be Azor Ahai he was overjoyed. His mansion was large, and he had more than enough space for the reborn warrior and his women, plus the prestige this would bring him was more than enough for any trouble. "Will this room suffice Azor Ahai?"

He watched Jon walk into the room and look about. "It is more then enough, thank you for your hospitality." Jon answered with a small bow.

"It is my pleasure, and I hope you will join us for dinner." Belaphos replied quickly with a bow of his own.

"It would be my pleasure." Jon replied, with a big smile Belaphos started to leave.

"The pleasure will be all mine." Belaphos moved to the door. "I will ensure your…companions." He gave a curious look to Jon, who didn't reply. "Yes, your companions have rooms near by." He pulled the door closed.

Jon nodded and looked around the room, pushing against the walls to check for hidden entrances before moving to the bathroom and then the outdoor terrace. It was high enough and looked out towards the ocean, the mansion was a good thirty feet of the ground, so he wasn't worried about someone entering from there. Deciding to relax Jon took of his helm and shirt, there was a nice hammock on the terrace, so he laid down for a bit.

His peace was broken by a knock on the door. "Enter." Jon called out. "I am on the terrace."

Dilia and Oraya walked out, both carrying large bowls and Oraya opened her mouth to speak but snapped it shut as the duo stared at him. "Yes?" Jon asked with a frown.

"I-I-I'm sorry Azor Ahai I was just surprised." Oraya answered sputtering. "I have just never seen you without your helm."

Jon paused and realized it was true, he had not removed it the entire time they were together. "It is alright, how can I help you?"

"Magister Belaphos gave use things for a bath." Dilia answered. "We thought you might enjoy it before dinner."

Jon smiled." I appreciate it, leave it in the bathroom."

Both women shook their heads. "We cannot allow you to do it by yourself." Oraya said.

"Yes, strip down while we heat the water." Dilia said as both spun and walked to the bathroom, Jon paused as a part of him wanted to tell them to leave and he could do it himself. There was another part however that saw them for the beautiful women they were and wondered how involved the bath would be.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Temple of the Lord of Light in Volantis was without equal anywhere else in Essos or the other known lands. The massive structure looked to be cut from a single stone and had several variations of red, orange, yellow and gold hues in it, all coming out in different lights. Salves, priests, followers and soldiers all moved throughout the temple all hours of the day and prayers were always heard and offered.

Tonight, all of the highest ranking, and most devout, priests all stood in a room which held a large fire pit in the center and a dais on the far side. Benerro, High Priest of R'hllor, stood on the dais looking at everyone gathered before him. He was a tall, thin man with a shaved head and flames tattooed all over his face, head and visible parts of his arms. "Welcome all." His voice seemed to fill the room. "I have asked you all here tonight because of a vision, a vision of Pentos." He moved to the flames and held his arms out. "I have seen a boy on the cusp of manhood, a boy who weilds lightbringer." The priests gasped. "My brothers and sisters it is possible that Azor Ahai, has been found!" The flames jumped and twisted, the priests all looked up to see the figure of Jon, his helm on and lightsaber in hand. "If he has been found, it means soon the Lord of Darkness will rise again." The gathered priest began to whisper prayers. "We must begin to move, ready ourselves in case he is coming." He looked around. "Kinvara come forth."

An attractive black-haired woman walked towards the dais and up to Benerro. "What need you of me High Priest?"

The man smiled, she was the most devout of all the priest and could red the flames as well as he could. If R'hllor chose to take him she would become the new High Priest. "While he carries lightbringer we must be sure he is Azor Ahai, I must stay here to guide the faithful and I trust no one else to see if he is our savior."

She bowed her head. "In R'hllor's name I will find out if he is Azor Ahai, and if he is I will ensure he is ready for what is to come." The flames seemed to increase from the pit as the gathered cheered in praise of their possible savior.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A week in Pentos had led to some interesting things happening. Most of it was dinner offers, the Red Priest were practically shouting his name from the roof tops, luckily, they did not know his real name just calling him Azor Ahai. Jon was also using his Force skills to gather some allies, reading a few minds and selling the info to interested parties was making him strong friends. Belaphos had introduced him to several of the Magisters and he had already gained the favor of several of them, they were a greedy lot and paid well for information.

He was doing all of this because he had learned that contacts, allies and friends were all things he would need in life. Jon knew he would go out into the galaxy eventually, but he would need money, experience and wisdom to navigate through the galaxy along with a good safe haven should he need to hide. It was another reason he was glad for having the women stay with him, he was a fan of droids because they were programable and lacked emotions that could led to betrayal. Humans though had their benefits, they could give different insights to situations and did not just obey ever command. Each of the women brought different skills to the group and if they continued to support him as they have been he was tempted to bring them further into the fold.

Today however brought something interesting to him, the Force had given him a vision last night of the docks around noon. He saw a woman getting off the ship, he didn't know who she was but the fact she was in a red robe led him to believe she was a part of the Red Religion, as he liked to call it. Dilia and Oraya were with him, now dressed in dark red dresses to show their faith, they had taken over the roles of handmaidens. Lerasha was managing his money, he knew she would not cheat him out of it as he gave her almost free reign to buy or spend it on what she wanted. Alyssa was by far the happiest as she spent every week in a different restaurant or tavern learning new recipes, each night she was happy to cook with Belaphos chef for them.

Jon watched the ships that had just come in, he noted several flying flags from Myr, Lys, Volantis and one or two from Westeros. Jon was focusing on the Force, trying to see where this mystery guest could be. "Have you found who you are looking for Azor Ahai?" Dilia asked after a while.

"Not yet." Jon replied as he focused on the newest ship to drop its plank, almost immediately the Force spoke to him. Looking harder Jon noticed the woman he saw in his visions, she was being followed by two men in light armor over tighter red robes. Jon was unaware the Red Religion had men at arms but didn't put it past them, he moved forward with Dilia and Oraya following.

Kinvara was surprised to see her target already waiting for her at the docks, she assumed she would have to find him through the local temple. She had not sent word of her arrival and last she checked none of the Pentos priests could read the flames. "Greetings." She said with a head bow.

"Hello." Jon replied. "I believe you are here to see me?"

"I am." She looked at him curiously. "I am Kinvara of Volantis, one of the High Priestess for the lord of Light, I have come to see if you truly are Azor Ahai."

Jon nodded. "I can see how your church would want to be sure, but how exactly will you find out?"

"Meeting me here with no notification is a good sign." Kinvara said. "Did you see me in the flames by chance?"

"Is that how you found me?" Jon deflected the question but was curious as to what that was. "I've never heard that term before."

Kinvara hummed in interest. "It is how we came to know of you, perhaps we should go somewhere were we can speak more about it and who you are?"

Jon took a step to the side and held his arm out. "Lead the way, I have nothing to hide." A lie but he wasn't worried about being found out.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kinvara looked out at the fading day light from the Red Temple, her talks with Azor Ahai over and her mind left to process everything. He had a skilled tongue, giving her little to work with about his past but asking all the right questions. His face, once he removed his helm, proved he was from Westeros, but his behavior and mannerisms made her think he was more than the bastard he claimed to be.

"Who are you Jon Snow." She thought, having learned his name during their talks.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, I know it's a bit confusing using Kinvara and Benerro since their the same position in different universes but it's easier than constantly creating new characters.