Chapter IV

A/N: Finally arriving at Storm's End. This is part one of an arc. I hope you all enjoy what I have written. This is also an intro of a new character, Rossalynd Umber. Thank you SALStratton for your help and Ros! SSD

One last warning: This story was never intended for fans of two of the most selfish people in Westeros, otherwise known as Rhaegar and Lyanna. Don't like it? Don't read it!

The sea voyage from White Harbor had been peaceful with no storms. Despite that, her uncle Rickard spent most of his time retching in his cabin. Same for Ned and Runa herself.

This was the maiden voyage of The Alpha Wolf, which would be the flagship of the Northern fleet.

Runa observed her best and most trusted friend Rossalynd Umber taking a nap. The official reason she'd been chosen to come South with her was that she knew the ways of the South from her Tarly mother.

Her future husband would not be told right away of her abilities. Not until Runa felt certain she could trust him.

During the voyage she'd warged into one of the Maester's ravens. It seemed that Lyanna's death had sent Robert Baratheon in a direction unexpected. Instead of drinking and whoring himself into an early grave, he'd become a better leader (he still had a ways to go) and a better brother. His drinking had gone down, and apparently hadn't been near a woman in months.

The South was the Bastion of the 7. And the southern faith took a dim view on Northerners in general, and would be sent into a frenzy if they found out about Runa and her marrying into House Baratheon.

Runa nearly drifted off herself, before she heard the Captain call "Land Ho!" They'd arrived in Storm's End and had avoided the worst of Shipbreaker Bay.

Ros was checking over her swords when she heard Runa grouse to her uncle, "How do southern women wear dresses like these? I'm nearly naked!"

She had helped Runa into the dark green silk dress. Her friend had been ordered to wear it by her uncle. It was definitely more revealing than her oldest friend was used to.

They'd been friends for 10 years and had first met at a nameday celebration of Ned's, shortly before he was sent to the Vale. They had bonded over their shared dislike of Lyanna. The friendship continued via ravens even after Runa went to Greywater Watch.

Shortly before Harrenhall, she'd been sent to Winterfell to become a lady in waiting to Runa. She had been chosen for both her knowledge of the South and her abilities with a blade as taught by her father and brothers. Once she arrived at Winterfell she was let in on a secret that only the Starks, Reeds, Karstarks, Mormonts, and her own family knew: Runa was a Greenseer and warg, which was why she'd been sent to Greywater Watch.

Since Runa had decided to take her cousin's place, protection in the South was key.

Soon they were off the ship and were pleased to not see a wheelhouse. They'd been allowed to ride into Storm's End on horseback.

"Are you ready my friend," Runa asked.

"I am. But you're the one meeting your future husband. Are you nervous," she asked in reply.

"I will take everything as it comes," Runa said as she tied on her hooded cloak with her family's sigil on it.

The Stark banners had been seen coming up the road. There were a several Northern houses there as well, namely the Umbers, Karstarks, Reeds, and Manderlys.

There was also another version of the Stark sigil there: A green direwolf, edged with silver on a black field. Perhaps it was the sigil of his betrothed's branch of house Stark?

Once the household was down in the yard, Robert was not surprised to see no wheelhouse. Ned was riding next to his cousin.

Runa couldn't have been more different from Lyanna if she tried. While they both had the Stark dark brown hair, Runa had nut brown eyes. Robert's eyes roved over Runa's curvier form, her cousin had been rail skinny. Her nut brown eyes seemed older though.

There was also a lovely female bodyguard riding behind Runa, who gave him a dirty look for staring at her.

Once Ned helped his cousin off her horse Robert said, "Welcome my lady to Storm's End. You're more beautiful than your cousin. You never told me Ned of how your cousin looked."

"The Stormlands are lovely, if a bit more humid than I am used to. Will you show my guard and I around Storm's End?" Lady Runa indicated the young woman behind her.

"Of course. Your uncle or cousin would also be welcome to come along.

On their walk with Ned and Rossalynd following discreetly behind them, she said, "I know I'm not the bride you were promised. But I promise I'll do my best to be a good wife."

Ned was pleased that Runa was at least willing to give Robert a chance, unlike Lyanna. Runa was also much more mature than Lyanna, her abilities having forced her to do that.

He was also looking forward to seeing Ros Umber give Robert a good talking to before the wedding. He was quite fond of her. Runa trusted her completely, and was the best northern lady to help Runa in the south.

As the next several days went by, Rickard was pleased to see that his niece was at least friendly towards Baratheon. Much more than he had hoped for.

Other Stormland lords were arriving as well. Conspicuously absent was House Connington.

It was common knowledge that Jon Connington hated Robert Baratheon and had designs on being Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. It was also known that he had the ear of the Crown Prince who also didn't like Robert and was looking for an excuse to give Connington the Lord Paramountecy. What was only rumor was that Rhaegar and Jon were lovers.

A/N 2: A short chapter before a long one. It's the wedding and will likely take longer to write up. Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD