Robb and Torrhen were stunned. They could not believe the words they were hearing they had to ask Catelyn to repeat them. Cat and Ned snuggled up against one another as their children processed the news. Robb was going to be a brother...again. Robb took his mother into his arms hugging her tightly. Torrhen shook Ned's hand sharing a moment with his adoptive father.
"How long have you known?" Robb asked.
"A few weeks." Ned replied.
Cat cut in.
"We wanted to be sure before making any announcements."
They were both so happy for their parents. A baby is just the thing the Stark Family needs right now. Might be a weird thing to think since they are at war but with everything going on a little Stark would be a huge morale boost to not just the Stark's but all the northern troops as well.
They all shared congratulations before Cat went to get some rest. There was still a conversation to be had between the three men.
"Lord Bolton has given me word that his bastard moves on Winterfell and should be there in a few days."
"Good. It's about time we root that treacherous worm out of our home." Robb replied.
It would not take too long for the Bolton's to root the Greyjoy's out of Winterfell. There were no more than twenty men holding the castle. While Twenty could hold off the hundreds that would be surrounding the castle but the Ironborn would soon run out of food and water and have to fight or abandon their position. There was no way twenty hungry and thirsty men would be able to stand on their own against a well provisioned and rested army.
Once Wintefell was back in their grasp they could focus on fighting the Lannisters. For the time being it seemed like Stannis was bringing the fight to the Lannisters as reports came in that his fleet was moving towards Kings Landing. 'Damn fool' Ned called the Baratheon. Yes Stannis may have had the numbers but if the Lannisters managed to reinforce the city before they arrived it could be a blood bath.
"We need to move south." Ned said. "We have to get to Kings Landing when Stannis gets there."
"Stannis could take the capital." Torrhen said. "We are trapped here by Tywin's forces. There is no way we are sneaking twenty thousand men passed him."
The only option they had was to potentially take Tywin head on and that would be suicide. Robb pointed out there was no where to really go. The only route would take them miles out of the way and would never make it in time.
"Aye. We will discuss this later."
The men adjourned their little meeting. Torrhen went for a stroll around the camp and saw a familiar figure walking towards him. The lady Talisa. They liked eyes and each flashed a quick smile to each other. Torrhen had seen many a beautiful woman in his days but Talisa had him mesmerized.
"Lady Talisa."
"Lord Torrhen." The Lady replied playfully.
He smiled at the 'Lord Torrhen' and let it slide deciphering the playfulness of the comment.
"Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a lovely mid day stroll?" He asked.
The smile she flashed told what the answer would be.
"It would be my honor to accompany you on this fine day."
It truly was a fine day. It was not too hot nor cold and the sun shone brightly with birds singing as they flew across the landscape. Torrhen extended his arm which Talisa took it with a smile. It memory served there was a path that led to the river. The trail followed the river a bit and was a beautiful walk.
The pair left the camp and took the trail through the woods. Talisa was clearly enjoying the hike as she looked all around enjoying all the nature. They began talking along the way. Torrhen went on about growing up in a castle the adoptive son of a great Lord. Learning to read and to swing a sword. Then then talked a bit about Serena. About how she learned to use a sword and how she stayed in Kings Landing to protect Sansa.
"She sounds like an incredible woman."
"She is...I don't know where I would be without her."
They then came out to a little clearing along the river. It was a beautiful spot to watch the river and watch the animals come up to it and drink. Talisa seemed to like the spot that seemed almost like it was straight out of a poem.
"Wow! It's beautiful here!"
She walked around looking at the clearing. It was a beautiful spot away from the war. No battles were taking place, no rivers of blood cut through the grass, no limbs needed to be sawed off, and choirs of men groaning and screaming were not heard. It was a nice distraction from all that. He walked over to the trees and reached behind them. Talisa was curious as to what he was doing. Then he pulled two sparring swords from behind the thick tree trunk that had concealed them perfectly.
"What is this?" She asked.
Torrhen separated the blades and extended an arm.
"You expressed interest in learning to swing a sword the other day. Figured I'd give you a lesson or two."
Talisa began giggling in joy. He was actually going to train her?
"Your going to train me to use a sword?"
He handed her the sword which she took into her hand looking at the blade. She had never held a sword before. The closest thing she got to a sword was a dinner knife and a bone saw.
"I am. If my sister can why can't you?"
He then started by helping with her stance. She mocked his stance as he used his finger to point to where her feet needed to be. Once that was set he moved to the most important step. Grip. He walked over to her and helped spread her fingers over the handle into the proper grip as they both stopped and looked at each other as their hands touched letting out a giggle.
Once they figured out the grip started with defense. He would attack and she would have to just put up the blade and block it. With Talisa being new he started fairly slow not wanting to jump right into it. They practiced for a while until the girl got into it quickly shifting and moving blocking his sparring blade with her own.
Torrhen then showed her some tricks on reading an enemy to determining what they would be doing. After the explanation they began another bout. Torrhen tried not to tell what move he was about to make but even in the most experienced swordsman it happened from time to time. Talisa took the lesson to heart keeping a close eye on his cues looking for any twitch that could tell what the young man was about to do.
She really was catching on. Obviously it would take a few more meetings to get her battle ready but she had a knack for this sort of thing. He then had her go on the offense giving her tips on how to swing the blade. They danced around the clearing blades clanging off each other singing a pretty song. Talisa could not stop giggling the entire time. She was actually swinging a sword. Never had she imagined ever holding a sword and being taught how to use it.
The exercise went on as did the day. The pair tired and eventually fell onto the ground looking out at the river both breathing heavily just enjoying the view. They began talking and Talisa finally opened up about her story finally fully trusting the northerner. She told that she was of a noble family in Volantis and gave the reason why she left.
"My parents had left for a wedding. Weddings in Volantis could last for days. It was the hottest day of the summer. Me,my brother,and some friends went down to the Rhoyne. Every child in the city was there that day swimming in the water. We all played and splashed around. I was talking to my friend when I noticed my brother had gone missing. We looked everywhere. Eventually we found him lying face down in the river. Together we dragged him out and attempted to wake him to no avail. I screamed and cried and hit him but his eyes never opened."
Torrhen shifted a bit listening intently to the story seeing her hold back the emotion as she did.
"Then a man ran over shoving me to the side. He had a fish tattooed on his face. In Volantis slaves are marked with tattoos to show what they are without needing to talk to them. This one worked on a fishing boat. For a slave to lay a hand on a high born girl it was death for the man. He placed his hands on his chest and began pushing as I sat there crying in my friends arms. Eventually my brother spat up hate the Rhoyne."
She stopped letting out a chuckle
"That day changed me. That slave didn't have to help my brother. Why should he care he was a slave and my brother was a noble. He could have just sat there and leave my brother die as I cried and hit him hoping he'd wake up. I decided that day as soon as I was old enough I would never live in a slave city again. Then I ended up here."
Torrhen was even more in love with the woman now than he was before. To decide to leave Volantis and call out it's terrible practice of slavery. To come from nobility to leave for a foreign land and live life like a mere peasant cutting off limbs of wounded soldiers and living in an army encampment.
"You are amazing." Torrhen let slip.
Talisa stopped a moment taking in the message. She looked into the northerner's blue eyes as he looked into her brown ones.
"You are amazing too."
A moment of silence overcame the couple. Both knew what this moment was going to lead to yet neither could make the move. Talisa let out a quiet 'Torrhen' before he leaned in closing the gap between them completely. She kissed back until he fell back and she rolled on top of him. They giggled as they pulled at each other's clothes throwing them wherever they would land. What a beautiful evening it had become.
The city of Kings Landing was more on edge then they had been the entire war. Stannis was on the move his fleet being spotted in route to the city loaded with thousands of men. His army outnumbered whatever force of soldiers and city watchmen they had in the city. If Stannis attacked he would not doubt take the city handily. Northern forces were still stuck north of Harrenhal by Tywins forces.
Cersei was worried. Serena could tell by all the drinking she was doing. Sure Cersei was naturally a heavy drinker but it had worsened over the last few days. She sat at her desk reading over and writing letters and making plans. In an attempt to appear loyal Serena urged the Queen regent to take Tommen and leave Kings Landing. Return to Casterly Rock and stay safe. It came from the younger woman's heart. She truly loved Cersei and did not want to see her harmed in any way.
Cersei shrugged off the girls concern every time she begged. If Stannis were to win it would be more to an Joffrey or Tyrion that would suffer. Stannis's men will have their juices flowing from battle and the mother of the king would look like a nice piece of cake to them. It did not seem to bother the blonde...or at least she made it appear like it didn't.
Serena was conflicted about the coming battle. Her love for Cersei and loyalty to the Starks would become a problem. Of course publicly in Kings Landing she would bend to the King. Hell she even saved Joffrey's mother. It mostly had more to do with her love or her rather than any loyalty to the Lannisters or Joffrey.
Soldiers and watchman ran through the city preparing it for a battle. Soldiers lined the battlements with oil and arrows to shoot at any troops that land and rocks to halt anyone from climbing the walls with ladders. The Mud Gate was reinforced as it seemed like the ideal place for Stannis to breech the city as it was right off the bay.
Joffrey planned to be on the battlements when his uncle arrived which worried his mother. Serena agreed with Tyrion's logic by having him there. The presence or an army's lord or King would boost morale significantly.
It was really nice for Serena to be the personal guard of Cersei. She was able to attend all the meetings Cersei had with everyone from Varys,Baelish, Lord Commander of the City Watch,all the way to everyone else making plans for not only the upcoming battle but the war as a whole. She was privy to everything and Cersei trusted her.
Serena initially began hatching a plan to spirt Sansa out of the city using the battle as a distraction. There were a few smaller gates that would not be heavily guarded especially once Stannis arrived and inevitably charged towards the Mud Gate. That was until Cersei had told of her intentions to have Sansa with her in Maegor's Holdfast. There was no way to get Sansa out of Maegor's and if the Stark did not show Cersei would for sure have what soldiers were not on the wall searching for them. It would not be easy to escape as they both stuck out Serena being a women with a sword and Sansa with her red hair there was no way to blend in.
Cersei and Tyrion met for a supper to discuss matters of state and the war. Serena was there as well as she was always at Cersei's side after being appointed her personal guard. The pair definitely made use of their proximity and no one questioned it. The day after the riot when Serena started Cersei already began cashing in on the northerner's new job convincing her to stay the night. It was not something she liked doing in fear of being caught.
After dinner Tyrion and Cersei argued once again about Joffrey being on the front lines.
"He's only a boy."
"Yes and boys younger than him are out fighting his war for him."
Tyrion lifted up his goblet taking a sip.
"He's what seventeen? Remember Jaime at seventeen?"
"Better than you. Some are better at fighting than others. Joffrey's place is not on the battlefield."
Serena wanted to jump in however she had this discussion many times before and it never went her way so for now she would leave it between the noble siblings.
"Neither is the throne of you ask Stannis Baratheon."
Cersei did not seem to like that comment.
"Do you think I am an idiot?"
"No...I would say you possess an above average intelligence."
Cersei then lashed out at her brother. She was still upset about him betrothing Myrcella to the Martell boy and felt he was trying to get her eldest son killed by sending him off to battle. She of course had her lifelong grudge of her mother dying when she gave birth to him. Tyrion tried to reason with her but to no avail.
"May I give my input?" Serena asked jumping in the conversation.
Cersei screamed no and Tyrion said yes at the same time. Cersei of course knew exactly what she was going to say. Cersei then threatened Tyrion claiming if anything should happen to Joffrey she would harm his whore. Why would Tyrion care for a whore? There were thousands of them in Kings Landing he could pay to lie with him for a night. Perhaps he had made an attachment to one.
Cersei had the girl brought in by a Kingsguard that was assigned to her for the night. He brought the girl in red hair all messy,face bruised,lip busted. Wait...Serena had seen her before. It was Ros from Wintertown! She had seen the whore a few times in be castle. She had caught Theon sneaking her in more times than she could count. When did she come to Kings Landing? Or had Cersei dragged her down here to make a point to her brother?
Tyrion promised the girl that she would be ok and the threatened Cersei himself. Serena had to step in now.
"My Lord you are out of line." She said sternly.
Tyrion backed off and apologized for his statement. Ros was taken away and Tyrion left going to his own chambers bidding Cersei and the Lady Serena goodnight. Cersei filled up her cup and offered one to Serena.
"I really shouldn't. Stannis could be here any moment and I need to stay sharp."
"Do you intend to fight?"
"I do."
Cersei did not seem happy with that answer.
"So I will be losing you as well as my son."
Serena took a few steps towards her lover.
"I'm not going anywhere. I have to fight for the King. I don't need to give him any reason to doubt my loyalty."
"How could he?" Cersei asked. "You did save me in that riot. You protected Joffrey. It would not be considered disloyalty to stay here in the keep with me and your sister."
Serena knew that but she wanted to be there. She had to see the battle with her own eyes. It was her girlhood dream to be in a real battle. Not a little throne room skirmish or a citizen riot but a true battle. Even if it was for her families enemies.
"I just have to be there."
"Well if you insist."
Serena then decided to take that cup of wine. Cersei filled up a cup and handed it to Serena who nearly took down half the cup in one sip.
"Thinking of battles I have a gift for you." Cersei's said.
Serena froze in that moment.
"A gift? You given me so many already."
"Yes another gift."
Cersei put down her goblet and walked over to the other side of the room. In the corner of the room was something large covered with a sheet. What could it be? That was much larger than a puppy. She could not figure out what it was.
"I hope I had it made right." Cersei said pulling away the sheet that covered the object.
Serena's eyes widened at the sight. A black suit of armor that looked like it fit her. She had never owned a suit of armor before. A tear formed in her eyes. Now she could truly be a warrior with a sword and armor.
"I...thank you."
She walked over inspecting the armor. The cold thick steel brushed against her fingers. It definitely looked like the measurements would fit her. There was no doubt it would do the job it was designed to do and protect its wearer. It was a beautiful set of armor that Serena would gladly wear.
"I do hope it fits well."
Serena looked it over just to make sure and it definitely appeared like it would. She thanked Cersei wrapping her up in a hug and giving her a small kiss. This moment was so surreal. To be in love with Cersei Lannister and for her to return that love. The hard and devious Cersei Lannister was so soft and caring to Serena it made the girl feel so high and loved.
The pair sat there in each other's embrace just taking in the moment. It was just them in each other's warmth. Depending on how the battle went this could be one of the last nights they spend together and to be honest Serena really did not want it to end. She did not want to leave Cersei's warm embrace. She could jot bear to lose the first person she ever loved.
The feeling scared her. She had heard the line 'people do stupid things for love' and it seemed like it could be ringing true. She had bent the knee to Joffrey, saved Cersei,and now served as the Queens personal protector, and was going to battle against Stannis. In her mind she could say it was all for Sansa all day but maybe it was for another reason? Could the mind play such tricks on people? What had happened to Serena? All she knew was that she loved Cersei and could not bear to lose her.
The hug ended and Cersei kissed Serena who kissed back. The taste of the Dornish wine was still on their lips as the kiss deepened. One thing turned to the next and Serena could feel her sword belt loosen from around her waist and eventually both began to lose their clothing and the fell into the bed.
The pair laid in the bed breathing heavily staring at the canopy that covered the bed. Both were in a state between exhaustion and being jittery with excitement. They then rolled over looking deep into each other's eyes. Nothing outside mattered in that moment. Not Stannis, not the war,nothing.
The night felt like it would never end and both hoped it never would. As it went on the tension and fear filled the room. Everyone in the keep could feel it. Stannis would arrive before sunrise. Everything was silent except for the soldiers shouting their commands and running through the streets of the city.
"You sure you still want to fight?" Cersei asked. "You can still come with us to Maegor's Holdfast."
Serena had though about it many times even over the course of the night but her decision was final. Nothing would change her mind now. As much as she would happily enjoy the comfort of Maegor's with her lover but Serena was a warrior and had to be one.
"I'm sure." She said playing with the woman's blonde hair. "I have to do my duty. Just make sure Sansa is safe."
Cersei promised that Sansa would be safe and not suffer a scratch hiding away with the other ladies of the court in the holdfast. That was enough for Serena. It was all that mattered. Of course Stannis would not dare harm Sansa but thousands of men storming the city their juices flowing from battle they probably will not think to see if their noble or not. One could only hope Stannis is honorable enough to order his men not to rape. If one of his men harmed Sansa it could sour relations between him and the north which could lead to a war.
Things calmed down a bit and the pair just lay there together listening to the waves that could be heard splashing against the land as well as the chirping of the birds. It definitely helped calm the both of them down.
"Perhaps we should get some sleep." Cersei suggested. "We will both need our energy."
The dark haired girl could not sleep tonight. Sleep would be a benefit. It would give her enough energy to fight well but adrenaline would have to do. The anxiety kept her from sleep and likely would continue to do so until the battle came and went.
"I can't sleep…I don't want to sleep."
Cersei went to say something but was stopped when the bells began to toll. They both looked at each other knowing what they meant. Stannis was here.