Rhaegar
280 A.C Duskendale
Robert had done something worse than expected, he bedded Princess Elia and now his alliance with the Dornish could be hanging by a proverbial thread. Rhaegar only prayed to the seven that he did not leave her with child thus creating a VERY big rift in the alliance to come. He loved Robert, aye he was his brother and they shared blood. But this? Bloody hells this? He was planning treachery their heads could line the walls of Maegors Holdfast. He got into an argument reminding him he could be putting them all in danger. Their families could be in just as much danger. He reminded him if he screwed his marriage to Lady Lyanna, that was one less alliance and less men should the worst come to bare.
Ned had spoken to him, and he barely made things better letting yet another person into their affairs. Gods above Rhaegar was beside himself! Treachery wasn't some bloody game like when they were boys! Ned told him of his conversation with Prince Oberyn after that bloody foolishness of a duel. Despite his need and want to remove his father from the throne peacefully war was still a very present danger to them all.
"Troubled my prince?" Rhaegar looked up from his drink to Lady Hollard guested on Ned's behalf. His brothers both sailed north to Winterfell for Robert to meet Lady Lyanna. Thoug Rhaegar begged him to keep his tryst a secret Ned insisted the only way they would forgive Robert was if they told the truth. Both of them the bloody fools he only hoped it held truth.
"Just a lot in mind my lady" he admitted, he was stuck, wanting to go back to the capital for his mother's sake and then wanting to stay in Duskendale where he felt…at home. Ned's household felt so much more like home than kings Landing. He had great boyhood memories but now with what he knew and what was to come Kings Landing was becoming fast a foreign and unfriendly place. He felt he had enemies in every hall, his father had men loyal to him by virtue and the fear of what he did to those that defied him. More men were being burnt whispers spread here on Duskendale men already whispered war.
"The world is full of burden my prince, sharing that burden lessens its toll on the mind" as good an invitation to speak of what worried him. Though he was sure Ned's household was loyal and trusting for him. No doubt to Lady Hollard who had her husband murdered and her son currently under the king's eyes she was hard to gauge on her turst.
"Troubles of state as it were, a marriage looming over my head so many things happening" Rhaegar sighed and slick his white locks back on his head.
"I understand, I was not the most stable when my marriage to Steffon had been announced. I was young and afraid to leave my home" she admitted and Rhaegar smiled a little seeing her sigh.
"My son is all that I have left on this world" she sighed and Rhaegar did not know how to respond on that regard.
"I'm sorry for what happened" he blurted out unsure of what to follow that up with.
"Don't be I had enough time to grieve and when my Lord decided to imprison the king we all knew the consequences" she sighed resigned but not defeated still a gentle dignity to her. A knock to their door distracted them and any further conversation. Maester Alester came in and bowed to them respectevly.
"My Prince, my Lady we have visitors the queen and her guard" the Maester said simply and without reaction.
"My mother? Why is she here…oh never mind that I shall go to her" Rhaegar said and stood briskly making his waty through the keep. He found the wheel house on the courtyard to the Dun Fort where his mother stepped out with Ser Lewyn helping her. He went to her at once hugging her and his mother just as quickly hugged him back.
"Oh my boy, why did you not come home? I was so worried when you returned here but not home" she said looking sad and worried
"I'm sorry mother, I just…I can't with, I know what is happening" he looked to her eyes and she caught his meaning making her lips quiver ever so slightly before closing her eyes.
"Oh Rhaegar, my boy do no concerned yourself with me" she tried but infront of everyone Rhaegar raised his voice.
"I will not! Mother I can't stand this, stay here with me on Duskendale Ned will return soon and he can convince father" he insisted but his mother only smiled sadly stroking his cheek.
"My boy I can't leave the Red Keep, and do not forget your brother he was sadden enough that I left him" she said and Rhaegar found he had no argument to counter that. Even Ned could not take Viserys from his father, his brother was growing and Rhaegar hoped he would not suffer his father's ire like himself.
"I came here with a message, I convinced your father that no other man could be trusted with this so I rode here to meet you." His mother explained and Rhaegar sighed nodding to her.
"Well come on I would make Ned a poor host if I didn't offer his hospitality" Rhaegar looked to Mark Ryswell coming to them and bowed to the queen.
"Your Grace, on behalf of Lord Eddard Stark I welcome you to the Dun Fort, let us break bread and salt" he offered guest rights and Ser Lewyn cracked a smirk walking up with the guard as Rhaegar led his mother to the fort.
"Fuck the bread I need wine" he said and stretched under his armor his bones popping.
"We had a hard ride my lady" he smiled at her and she only shook her head chuckling.
"I would think a hardy man like you would not complain Ser Lewyn" she grinned.
"Oh my lady I am civilized man! I enjoy comforts of wine bread and women to adorn my bed" he earned a laugh from the guards and his mother.
"Well I can help with the first two but the third you are on your own Ser" Mark Ryswell chuckled and led them inside. Inside the great hall Lady Hollard had already prepared if albeit hastily to receive them. sitting down on the high table Rhaegar spoke to his mother who told him of her urgent message and what called his attention.
"House Martell is in a fit of anger, Prince Oberyn had to be imprisoned temporarily to keep him from acting rashly." His moher began and Rhaegar felt his heart stop, the gods Robert just ended them all!
"Princess Elia was on her way here and when she was passing the King's Wood she was kidnaped along with her entourage" Rhaegar felt some relief but not quite what he expected.
"What? Who would dare?" Rhaegar asked incredulous.
"Some band of brigands calling themselves the Kingswood Brotherood" Rhaegar remembered vaguely the name in a small council meeting being mentioned. This had to be the bandits that plagued the Kings Wood and were never found. He had been out of touch and he had hoped the men he sent to guard the Kings Road had solved the problem. Robert then told him of him forming a party of men scouring the woods to no avail. These bandits plagued them far too long, but now they had gone too far. Stealing coin was one thing but to take a highborn daughter and of a lord Paramount no less.
"What has my father done?" Rhaegar asked.
"He cares little claiming the matter was for the Stormlands to handle, Lord Tywn on the other hand has orderd Ser Arthur to scour the Woods and this time if the small folk do not cooperate." She left the rest unsaid, Arthur would put the people to the sword. Rhaegar on the other hand knew Arthur he knew him to be honorable and far too butcher innocent.
"The god's it one headache after the other, Ser Ryswell" Rhaegar said.
"My Prince?" the man who had been sitting with his mother's guard and Ser Lewyn stood.
"Please send a raven to Winterfell and inform Ned of what has happened" Rhaegar proceeded to inform them of what happened causing the guard to talk among themselves. Ser Lewyn who had not known prior looked pained. He wanted to go himself but Rhaegar knew he was swron to stand by his mother.
"I shall do so imminently, my prince" Mark bowed and turned to leave.
"Ser Ryswell please, as well tell Ned I shall be going south to join Arthur I suggested she visited Kings Landing this as much responsibility" he said, Rhaegar knew Ned enough to know he would come south with Robert at quick pace. Princess Elia wasn't alone, she had her handmaiden Lady ashara Dayne. Rhaegaaar felt a pang for his brother. He was in love and she seemed to return the feelings he only wished nothing happened to her. Then there was Princess Elia he only got to meet her for a bit before he was called back by his father impatient for answers. When he reached Kings Landing his father had already forgotten about him and Rhaegar just decided to go to Duskendale with Ned. He would have gone North too, but Rhaegar was planning on meeting with Lord Hoster Tully. With him he would arrange for Lord Whent with secret backing to hold a great Tourney to be talked about for ages. Rhaegar would use this excuse to gather all the great Lords of Westeros and speak to them in secret to dethrone his father.
"I shall my prince, excuse me" he bowed and left. Rhaegar prepared to return to Kings Landing with his mother. They stayed only a few days before riding with due speed south, he had tried once more to no avail to ask his mother to stay but his father proving his impatient he had sent a rider to demand her return. Rhaegar had tighten his grip on the reins of his horse when he saw his mother resign herself to her fate. Once this brigands were brought to justice the tourney would need to be held with haste. He made a side note to stop by Master Motts in Kings Landing for a special requisition. His party ready he began the march down the Rosby road forcing a night march and resting just a few hours in the morning. Reaching Rosby Castle he was hosted by Lord Gyles Rosby briefly and Rhaegar hated being court with the older Lord but he needed to move fast. They stayed for another two days to rest and they were met with Ser Denys Arryn. He had met the man before he was married to Jon Arryn's niece he had a long face with red eyes news came that his wife died at childbirth along with the babe. His mother comforted the young knight that thanked her for her kindness, replacing him would be Elbert Arryn Jon Arryn's heir. The young knight had been acting as Lord Arryn's captain of the guard Elbert Arryn would be his replacement.
The next morning he made the final stretch to Kings Landing reaching the capital an army camp was outside the walls. Rhaegar knew that was no doubt Arthur's so with a goodbye to his mother and a final set of parchment and instructions for Master Mott. Rhaegar to rode find Arthur he was in the command tent with Lord Steffon, and Lord Ralph Buckler of the bronzegate and a man he did not know with a blonde lad behind him he found a striking familiarity with.
280 A.C Crownlands
"My Prince I had thought you would join me. The news is troubuling and these bastards dare hold not only my princess but my sister" Arthur growled. His anger radiated off him never in his life had he seen Arthur so angry, with a thirst for blood. He felt that perhaps with his sister's life in the balance he would butcher commonfolk for answers He hoped it would not come to that, gods be good he wanted to avoid spilling the blood of folk who just feared the kings wrath.
"I sent a message to Robert and Ned up North they will ride down with haste of that I am sure" he told him and Arthur simply nodded his understanding, they would hunt these men even if Robert and Ned did not come in time.
"Forgive me Ser I do not know you, may I have your name?" he asked the knight. The Lord bowed his head and introduced himself.
"Lord Sunmer Crakehall my prince, of the same name for my keep in the Westernlands." He said and he looked behind him and introduced the lad who twisted his lips in a sharp smile and bowed his head to him.
"Jaime Lannister my squire and out somewhere about fetching for some wine is my other squire Merrett Frey" As if his name summoned him a big lad entered almost as big as Gerald in girth and any taller he would have made Rhaegar feel inadequate. Though aside from that he had a mug that as Robert would put it only a whore paid with a castle would love. Then again he knew Walder Frey by reputation the old man had children in spades along with bastards all over his keep.
"Lord Tywin's heir you looked familiar" Rhaegar addressed the young squire while taking an offer mug of wine.
"Aye me and my sister are twins, same eyes and hair, but not the same teaats" he said and Lord Crakehall reprimanded him for his coarse language with him.
"No its fine, Robert has said worst in front of me" Rhaegar grinned an offerd his hand to shake all three of theirs Merrett Frey's having the strongest grip.
"Good I plan to do worse to these bandits" Jaime boasted crossing his arms leaning on a support pole inside the tent.
"Then let us hope we find them without trouble" Rhaegar sighed and turned to the map on the center table.
"We have at most a good two hundred men to scour the woods, but as the saying goes a wolf in sheep's clothing" Arthur crossed his arm looking to the gathered men.
"The smallfolk must be hiding them, but with highborn hostages their fate is dealt" Arthur said and pointed to the Kings Road.
"Let's march and take a town, and show the smallfolk that these brigands aren't to be feared or admired" Arthur said and the gathered men raised their brows.
"What do you plan to do Arthur?" Rhaegar asked putting his hand over the pommel of his sword resting it there.
"We take the town, but we show the smallfolk we aren't there to butcher them or torture them." Arthur said and Lord Ralph spoke first with a measure of contempt.
"You must jest Ser, if they are harboring the criminals they are as much at fault" Lord Ralph said.
"Ney the smallfolk feel we have abandoned them and with the coin stolen along with traders robbed. The smallfolk flock to them because they share their gold and treat them with respect and dignity" Arthur explained to them his voice carrying the conviction he had on this view. Rhaegar for one agreed, no man high born or low born wanted to be seen as forgotten by the powers that be.
"I support your plan Arthur, let's show these people we are here to protect them and help them." Rhaegar confirmed. They discussed further strategies but Rhaegar put his support on Arthur's decision and the rest folded on it soon enough. With plans made they began preparations to break camp and march down to the Kings Wood and take a town in the middle of the woods. After two days of planning Rhaegar took the front of the procession with Arthur and they marched down the Kings Road.
Robert
280 A.C Winterfell
The seven he had bene so excited to meet Lyanna and Ned's family before Dorne. Now the dread he felt only made his stomach turn. He and Ned sailed on the Lady of Lys to White Harbor, Robert spent the voyage with Ned who had finally forgiven him but was adamant about him telling the truth to Lyanna. Ned would speak with his father about their plan on Rhaegar's behalf. The looming walls of Winterfell became a great sight to behold. The walls scaled at least sixty meters high with a moat surrounding the keep. The gates were opened and Martyn Cassel Lord Rckard's master at arms of Winterfell rode down to meet them with an honor guard on the Kings Road.
The journey from there was to easy his heart filled with tales from Ned about the time he spent on Winterfell on visits and of Lyanna. The tales had been a great help for Robert on getting better knowledge of the type of girl Lyanna was. He knew only a little from previous tales but the ones he told him now made him smile. She was a good archer, something that made him feel self-conscious about the gift he brought for her. Then he told her that since he last saw her riding and love for horse flesh had grown. Now he felt he should have gotten her a Sand Steed from Dorne the best horses in the realm in his opinion. Though when he thought of Dorne he only felt a sense of shame, something he felt he probably wouldn't have felt if he never met Rhaegar. He had changed him just as much as he changed Ned. His once shy friend had grown quite a pair of balls, not to say they didn't get into trouble when in the Vale. Now though he bloody fought to first blood with a prince of Dorne the Ned he knew in the Vale would have called this Ned an idiot.
"Be truthful I will talk with her and she will forgive you" Ned assured him.
"So you say, but what if she hates me Ned…what if she thinks me a horrible person" Before Dorne this self-doubt would never have happened. But before Dorne he hadn't shamed a Lord Paramounts daughter and endangered half the realm and his best friends lives with his tryst.
"Be truthful that is what we value most in the North Robert" Ned said his soft voice bringing him a small comfort.
"Aye I will let me speak to her and when I have her alone, I can tell her of my shame" he grunted, but what was he to do? Princess Elia was willing and beautiful, sure other girls were pretty as well and some had teats that would make Princess Elia envious. They were all to turn down, but when it came to Elia well she took action and he wasn't about to harm a highborn lady. Worst when she got her hands in on his cock his mind was a blank and lust was all he remembered. Forgetting the past for now they entered Winterfell proper and Lord Rickard Stark was with his household to meet them. Lord Stark was an older man with grey on the edges of his beard and sideburns. Brandon Stark was as Ned described him big, about the same height as Robert though begrudgingly Brandon was just a tad taller.
Last of the boys was Benjin Stark a young lad dark hair and grey eyes looking curiously at him. The final Stark was offcourse the one to steal all his attention. Lyanna Stark she was tall slender even under the dress and furs. Her face was beautiful all of its own and the grey eyes cold and unwelcoming as they were fascinated him. When her eyes met his Robert felt his heart tighten, what would those already cold eyes do when he told her what happened? They already looked uninterested and annoyed. Robert closed his eyes sighing once they cut the distance. Ned dismounted first followed by Robert where a young boy big and round lad really. He took their horses muttering the words Hodor, or something of the likes, a fool kind of like patches only without the wit.
"My son, Robert Baratheon the hospitality of Winterfell is yours" he bowed slightly.
"Thank you Lord Stark" Robert bowed his head and then shook hands firmly with Brandon who grinned looking at them.
"Baratheon, I heard you and my brother saved the king" Brandon began, a decision Robert now regretted. The old bastard should have done us the favor of dying in there. Robert merely grinned back and nodded.
"Aye stormed the keep with just me Ned and Ser Barristan" Robert chuckled.
"Ah no details, lets get drunk proper and then you and Ned can tell me how you saved the king and rode out cocks swinging, and bare ass girls on your horses" Ned laughed and Lyanna rolled her eyes crossing her arms. The prospect of avoiding the awkward conversation with Lyanna was so very tempting, good men, wine and song was always good times. Ned shifted his eyes to Robert and he knew that was not an option now.
"Another time, Lady Lyanna I had hoped to meet you" he offered his hand and she obliged him with hers and he bent down to kiss it. He felt some callouses on her fingers, either from riding or stringing a bow. Robert smiled kindly all the same and she at the very least returned the courtesies.
"My Lord please make yourself at home, maybe my brother Benjen can show you the keep" she suggested, Lord Rickard would have none of that as he interrupted them.
"No show Robert around your childhood home Lyanna, he is our guest" he made sure to enforce the guest part.
"Offcourse father, but Lord Robert has been riding for half a month meyhaps he yearns for a soft bed to rest" she seemed adamant to not spend time with him, never in his life did he have girls try to avoid his company.
"I would love to see your home my lady" Robert shrugged and from his horse he had grabbed something rolled up in fabric. Well not something Lyanna's gift something to endear him to her and with her bow they began the tour.
"I'm sorry about all of this" he didn't know what else to say the silence was killing him. They had barely gotten beyond the old keep and Robert felt estranged.
"I don't understand what you mean my lord" she said stiffly. Gods woman it's bloody cold enough here without your help. He thought frowning slightly.
"I know our betrothal isn't to your liking, otherwise I would think I might have gotten at least a hello" he tried japing and she at least looked somewhat ashame.
"I don't want this, I want what I chose the freedom to do what I want" she said suddenly her voice filled with grief over her situation.
"I know my lady life isn't always fair" he tried but she only got cross with him.
"What would you know my lord? You are a man with a cock you may do as you please" she seethed and then groaned as if remembering she was supposed to be endearing herself to him.
"If that was true I would have a choice about who I marry as well" he reminded her their marriage was arranged from both parties.
"Ned said you wished to" he cut her off.
"Aye I do, but that is only because I love Ned as my own blood. My lady I do not know much beyond what Ned has told me" Robert grinned feeling his charm return to him.
"You don't know me My Lord" she insisted looking cross with him again.
"No but I would like to Lyanna our situation can't be fixed, unless your father decides against it. To that end we must do our duty and live with what we have to my Lady" Robert said remembering Rhaegar's words that he tried so hard to drill in him.
"My Lord you may do as you please married or not, my value is based in my looks not by what I can do. You won't ever understand" Lyanna finally said to him her grey eyes staring deep into his blue ones.
"Please call me Robert, I get enough titles from everyone else" he said sighing.
"Very well Robert, perhaps we should part our ways for today" she said and looked ready to leave.
"My Lady" he said stopping to her.
"The world may look at you as such, but I hope this proves that I look beyond that" Robert said.
"Robert you don't know me" she tried sighing exasperated really wanting to leave.
"I know enough a gift" he presented to her the wrapped up cloth. "Its Myrish lace" he smirked noticing her somewhat perturbed look, she thinks it's cloth for a dress Robert thought and motioned for her to unroll the cloth.
"It's heavy Robert" she suddenly mused.
"Aye that it is" he said and she unrolled the cloth to reveal the grey and the direwolf on it. Lyanna blinked unsure and he encouraged her to continue unwrapping the cloth a banner. When she finished she caught the leather and sheath inside the banner. Lyanna gasped and looked up confused her once cold eyes betraying excitement.
"I would like to know more, Ned tells me you to know how to swing a sword" Robert chuckled.
"I know how to swing a sword" she insisted if somewhat weakly as she put the banner over shoulder and held the sheath. The sword wasn't Valyrian steel but it was still well craft from Strom's End smith. The pommel was wood from the Kings Wood, on the pommels end a small stag. This was his own touch if he was being Rhaegar he'd say it meant something of her holding his heart or honor or some other prissy crap. The guard had a Dierwolf head its maw gaping the blade procuring from the gaping jaw.
"Not to beat your brothers, I don't know about Brandon but Ned learned from the best swords in this land" Lyanna's eyes instantly shined her ire towards their situation forgotten.
"He never told me! He just told me he practice with them!" she said clutching the sword to her.
"Aye Ser Gerald taught us, as well as Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Oswell Whent" Robert smiled crossing his arms.
"I can't believe Ned never told me! I will wring his neck for that" Lyanna huffed and she looked rather adorable.
"Well don't blame him Ned's never been one to boast of such things" Robert said.
"Aye I suppose you are right" she smiled by the gods she smiled and it was beautiful! He wanted to see that smile all the time!
"I'm sorry for my earlier behavior" she said suddenly.
"It's alright once more the situation isn't exactly always the best" he agreed.
"All the same I was awfully cold to you" she clasped her hands and frowned.
"Well perhaps we may at lest remedy part of our situation." Robert smiled
"What would that be Robert?" Lyanna asked.
"I heard you are quite the rider, let us ride talk and know more about each other" Lyanna looked at him unsure no doubt of his intentions.
"I need to wear my leathers this dress isn't for riding" she said.
"We have plenty of time my lady" Robert grinned.
"Very well let me ready myself, I shall meet you in the stables. She looked a bit excited and turned to leave before turning back once. A blush was on her face, he hoped that was a good sign.
"Thank you for the gift…It's amazing Robert" she said and with a swift of her skirts Lyanna was gone. Robert looked at her and felt hope. Meyhap she would listen to him meyhaps he could be forgiven for his indiscretion. With a feeling like everything for once was lining up Robert left for the stables to ready hi horse.
Eddard
"Seven hells you assaulted the damn thing on you own!?" Brandon slapped his knee laughing loudly.
"Aye, Ser Barristan had to open the gate, so I kept the others at bay, got me some scars for my trouble" Ned grinned at his brother. His father was laughing heartedly slapping his knee looking at him with such pride Ned felt somewhat overwhelmed
"Thank you father, I'm glad I made you proud" He said if only for the briefest of times allowing himself to feel smug.
"Damn it all Ned, I wish I'd been there sounded like a fight" Ned on that account retailed the tale of Dorne and his fight with the prince. Ned opened his palm to show them his newest scar.
"Gods! Father I look like a green fuck compared to Ned" Brandon stood up filling his cup.
"Come brother today I feel honor to pour you a drink and call you my blood" Ned cracked a grin and japed.
"Oh so before I was just holding the spot?" Ned said, both father and son turned to Ned eyes wide. The silence stretched before they both laughed making Ned raise a brow but chuckled all the same.
"Gods he jokes now father! The south may have done well to him" Brandon handed him the cup and Ned rolled his eyes drinking.
"Oh sod off Bran, I just happen to grow" Ned shrugged.
"Don't let your brother's words betray how proud we are of you Eddard" Ned nodded his thanks and then he remembered what was to come. Ned stood and closed the door, before returning to his seat serious.
"Father I have some matters that must be discussed between us" Ned said looking to his brother and father.
"Oh well here comes grim Ned" Brandon grinned sitting and drinking his wine.
"Aye its grim because things in the south are moving and not towards a good conclusion" Ned said his father turned serious and Brandon sobered up his joyful mood.
"Speak Eddard, I have heard a bit of things from the south most not good" his father explained.
"Aye they aren't good father, the king is mad he burns men alive in the throne room, rapes his queen constantly. He slights his lords and threatens with fire for men" Ned told them, the horrors he saw and the men who died.
"What does this have to do with us?" Brandon asked uninterested no doubt in southern politics. A sentiment he shared but he loved Rhaegar and he promised him his support. Here was hoping his father would throw the weight of the north in too.
"Because a war might be coming, the King will bring it, so we must try to stop his madness" Ned leaned up on his seat elbows on his knees.
"We?" His father raised a brow and Ned nodded and told them of their support.
"House Martell, House Baratheon and, hopefully house Stark" His father looked to him his eyes calculating and questioning.
"House Stark is sworn to the Iron Throne, it belongs to Aerys by all the laws in Westeros his son wishes to userp him?" Truth in every word he spoke but this was about the only way he could save the kingdom from burning down.
"Father I speak treason but as it stands we stand on the brink of war" Ned said.
"Aerys is mad I have seen it father he whisperes to himself, calls everyone a traitor threatens to burn lord and commonfolk alike" Ned sighed, and slid his hand across his long hair.
"Prince Rhaegar propose a great council of all the Lords Paramount and ask for our support to dethrone Aerys" Ned said, his father hummed in thought.
"What if they don't concede?" Ned looked confused for a moment.
"Father" he began but his father silenced him with a hand.
"Ned we are but three Lords as you say, all separated by great distances." His father explained.
"If the Lords disagree in dethroning Aerys. What then? Aerys will call for our heads" Brandon grunted frowning into his cup.
"He can come North if he wants them" His father nodded in agreement.
"I can't march the North to aid our allies, the neck will be assaulted by whatever Lords Aerys sends to us." Ned looked down it was true but then there were alliances made through marriage.
"The Tullys they will be our allies by marriage, Jon Arryn will believe our cause just and put the Vale behind us" Ned proclaimed.
"The Vale still stands before us, sludgin through the Riverlands as our allies, pushing the Valemen from their lands would be paramount." His father continued.
"The Vale shall join our cause father" Ned insisted.
"what gurantees does that give me Eddard?" his father said this time with more force.
"Because Jon loves me like a son!" Ned said somewhat louder than he meant to. Even his brother looked somewhat uncomftarble.
"Eddard what I did" his father began his hard tone gone now more gentle with some sorrow in there.
"I don't blame you, or hate you father. You are my father always will be but Jon has no sons of his own, he loves me and Robert as if we were his own blood. The Vale will back us I have no doubt in my mind" Ned finished dhis grey eyes meeting his father Brandon quiet for the longest time spoke.
"Ned has always been a good judge of character father, if he says the Vale will stand by us I say we should support Prince Rhaegar" he said, and his father sighed somewhat sadly.
"My son Cregan Stark vowed the North for a Targaryen before, he promised us a princess for our support. Yet here we stand with no claim to the throne, no princess to reward our loyalty" Ned shook his head but saw the reasoning.
"Rhaegar is not them, I know him father I grew up with him" Ned closed his eyes and hoping his father would understand.
"The North will not support Prince Rhaegar, I have no guarantees" his father said finally.
"What if I bring proof the Vale will support our cause" Ned said seriously.
"If the Vale puts its support for Prince Rhaegar, the North will back him." His father nodded. Ned sighed if nothing else it would be enough for them to dethrone the king.
"Father, I will have the proof you seek. However know if the worst comes I shall fight by Rhaegars side" Ned said. His father looked to him and smiled slightly.
"If the king ask for your head he will have no help from me, but I shall fight his enemies regardless" Ned nodded.
"Now enough of politics, I am told you have a girl you fancy" his father grinned and laughed.
"My Lord" Maester Luwin came with a parchment on his hand.
"Maester Luwin, what is it?" Brandon asked.
"A raven from White Harbor for Lord Eddard" Ned looked to his father and brother before standing and reading the parchment. His heart clenched when he read the letter and forgetting all the politics he looked to his father.
"Father forgive me I must ride, where is Robert?" he asked.
"Speak Eddard what has happened" his father asked standing.
"Elia Martell has been kidnapped by brigands on the Kings Road, as has Ashara" Ned growled.
"The girl you fancy" Brandond smirked.
"Aye I must go, the gods be good I make it in time!" Ned turned to his father.
"Goodbye father, forgive me" Ned left not waiting for an answer. Ashara was taken, he felt for Princess Elia to be true, but by the gods the woman he loved was taken! No force on this land would stop him from taking her back, woe to whoever got in his way, for his steel would bring them to their maker.
Whoa man I wanted to add the kidnapping but I think I'll just put it on the other chapter as how Elia was kidnapped. But more to the point the Kingswood Brotherhood arch is here! It will be considerably longer than the Duskendale Arch. Now comes more POVS, don't worry nothing too bad, the main POV's will be as always the main three lads, with the added POV's of Ashara and Elia.
So the plot thickens, the North will not back Rhaegar without a show that they shan't be fucked over twice. I hope I got Brandon and his dad in character, also Lyanna I hope came out as cold for her situation. Okay before everyone tries to say Lyanna is in love! She isn't she opened up more to Robert because this Robert knows more about Lyanna thanks to Ned. He didn't come treating her like a southern lady but more like…well Lyanna.
Alright enjoy lads, btw I won't be posting all the logged on questions. I will post short answers to the anonymous ones here. I PM the answers as always, but holy hell the post are getting waaaay too long. At most I will post short answers to the logged questions if I can.