A/N: What up invaders matthewstaffordlionsfan17 here! I believe I owe you all an explanation. Sorry for not updating in almost a month, but I have experienced some personal issues that caused me to go on a short hiatus. If you follow my beta profile, you should have seen that until now I was on vacation mode and I was not accepting any request. This is because I needed to get my life together after laid off from my job and having to find a new one. The store was cutting down part time workers, and sadly I was the one they laid off. I figured I needed to get my priorities straight and I took a short break. Again, I'm sorry and I can't promise that it won't happen again, because stupid stuff like that happens all the time. However, I can promise that I will provide more regular updates to Ours is the Fury and my side projects like Ours is not the Fury and the HP rewrite. Again it may seem like I'm making excuses, but I just wanted to be up front. I wanted this chapter to get out y'all, its mostly a filler chapter to be honest, it mostly Sansa reading letters, like it some fan mail or some crap like that, but I wanted y'all to know that this fanfic is not dead and will never be dead. Don't worry more fighting like the last one will continue, and of course we can't forget about that Ironborn invasion. It's not gonna be over till Stafford gets his crown...or dies trying to. I can't promise that I'll keep him alive, hell I bet half of the audience still wants him dead for what he did Arya, but whether or not I kill him is up to me. Please continue to support me, even if I haven't given y'all the love you deserve. Even gave y'all an Edric Storm angst fest, because every time I think of Edric I think of Hayden Christensen and his Anakin performance for some reason. And since the directors and casting department did not cast Hayden Christensen and decided to combine Edric with Gendry, the fanfic is the only thing I can do to quench this odd thought process.
Guest: I mean sure I guess his axe might be lame, but I have an odd theory. I think you may be projecting. I think some random guy with came and maybe stole your girl and then exposed you in front of everyone ruining your budding rap career. Just joking of course, best wishes to you and thank you for your review.
Birdy: I'll try ;)
Charles Caeser: I mean take this with a pinch of salt, but I'll try to update more often. Actually I will update much more often and with better chapter rather than this filler chapter.
Anyway the next chapter will be in Essos, but it will be the only that will be there for a while. Then its back to Westeros and the war.
Thanks and Enjoy!
Sansa
It had been almost three months since Stafford, his uncles, and of course his host of close to sixty thousand men. From letters, conversations in the court, and even personal heralds that told of all that had happened in the war, she had been informed of the status of their armies. However, reassuring the news of the recent victories in the Riverlands, Sansa had grown ever more concerned. Though Stafford, and more recently his bastard brother Edric, have tried to reassure her through the letters that it their progress in their military efforts couldn't be any better. She had no experience in leading an army, and she was not at all a strategist, but for some reason she couldn't help, but doubt the authenticity of their success. It was true, that from what she had gathered, they were in Riverlands reclaiming every almost every castle, and minor town from the Lannisters. The last letter she received from him detailed their victory near Harrenhal, and how they managed to capture a rousing victory on the battlefield. All the news that she heard only reinforced the great status of the army. However, even with this encouraging news, she still felt concerned for his safety.
In Winterfell, there were nights that she often thought about all the tales and all the legends about princes leaving behind their loved ones to fight for glory on the battlefield. Somehow all of them neglected to tell what those loved ones felt when they marched off to battle. All of them were concerned with the achievements the stories concerned themselves with were of their accomplishments in battle. Never once did it examine what the brave princes felt about those they left behind. Not one told of how the person the prince loved felt. How she was concerned with what would happen to him, while he was away. This wasn't like a tournament where she could see him perform noble and impressive feats in combat. After the tournament was done, Sansa would know of everything that happened, and not be left waiting for news about what happened.
But the thing that hurt Sansa the most was something worse than the concern she felt for him. She had not seen him in almost three months, and the time away from him was far worse than she could imagine. It grew even worse that there was the possibility that he would not be coming back to her. No matter how much he promised her that he would return before he left, that nagging thought in her mind could not be erased. She often waited in her quarters for someone, maybe a messenger, who had just arrived from having to covertly ride through the Reach with letters or maybe even news of the events that were happening.
However, Sansa knew she needed to be stronger now more than ever. For she was still filled with hope that one day instead of news of victory in a single battle, it would be news that the war was over, and Stafford would return. Not only that she would be able to see her family again. Robb, Bran, and even...Arya. Every time she thought about her missing sister, there would always be a certain uneasiness about her. The last interaction she remembered with her sister was a physical altercation in King's Landing. She hoped that when she met her again, she would be able to be more hospitable and remember that they were family. Even thinking of Arya now, always gave her mixed feelings, like she didn't know how to feel about it.
She shrugged all of her anxieties and concerns out for now. Now she was in her quarters, with no one, but herself. Storm's End was much less busy since Stafford had left for the Riverlands. There were less people, but it was far from under garrisoned. There were about seven thousand men held in reserve garrisoned in Storm's End. They were the people, who arrived late from the call to arms issued. They were all under the new Castellan Lord Bryce Caron, who was been asked to stay behind to watch over the reserve. While from his behaviors, and from what Sansa observed, he wasn't too pleased with the role of Castellan. She figured he wanted to ride off to war with the others, but she felt he served an important task. She was one of small number of noble ladies, who were in Storm's End. Some of the Lords, who were garrisoned here brought their wives and even daughters for their stay in Storm's End, while most stayed where their house's seat was. However, despite this the men and Lords treated her with respect, as they probably expected that Stafford would not be pleased if they did not. Of course, they were right about this.
Sansa sat at her desk with three letters left from what she had received from the messenger that arrived with letters from the battlefield. She had just returned from the main hall earlier to retrieve the letters that were meant for her. However, she did not expect to receive one of them. Two of the letters were usual letters, one from Stafford, clearly with his personal seal sealing the letter, and the other was a rare letter from Edric. The third letter was the one that caught her attention. It had her mother's personal seal, and if this was with a Baratheon messenger, then she knew that Stafford had probably already met with her mother. And hopefully Renly did his job and gave my letter.
At least she hoped that this letter would address and would give her hope that her family would do what she believed was right. The Starks and the Baratheons had always been allies. It was due to a false king and plots of a house that wanted more power that this trust was fractured. She didn't blame Robb and her mother for trying to create a separate kingdom. But she knew that the kingdom would be stronger if they were united. She knew that Stafford needed Robb as much Robb needed him. It would be great if they would at least consider allying with one another to prove that there was still trust to keep the kingdom to together.
Sansa slowly broke the seal to her mother's letter, setting aside the others for later. Her hands shook as she opened the letter. She wondered the impact of what her actions had done to her family. She regretted and didn't regret all that she had done at the same time, which made her feel even more confused about the predicament that she was in. She put all those feelings, and uncertainties aside and quickly opened the letter.
Sansa,
I had been wanting to write to you for some time, but after all the rumors that went around about the events of King's Landing, I was unable to think of a way to get this letter to you. However, after a certain Baratheon prince invited me to speak with him at his camp near Harrenhal, that changed. After the battle we spoke some more, and finally I decided through his words and yours, that he had barely gained enough of my trust to invite him to Riverrun as soon as he was done with his business in the field. I do not know if he had forced you to write all of the things you said about him and your state, or forced his uncle to make to clever forgery. However, I do know this, if it was you, who wrote that letter, which in my mind it was, then it compels me to give him the chance to prove that he is truly someone worthy of you. While I stated I'd give him a chance, I only promise that I'll give him a chance. For all I can see, from how he acts, how he talks, and even his behavior after his little skirmish with his grandfather, I can see his father, Robert. He seems like he would fight, die, and do anything for your sake. But all of these are assumptions, but if these assumptions are true, and I pray to the Gods it might be true, we will reunite as a family. As for your marriage that you stated you wanted in your letter that his uncle gave me, he will have to prove that he is more than just a copy of his father Robert, for me to give him that honor. But as I stated I will give him a chance not only in regards to that, but also an ally to our cause. Until that be well, and I hope to see you in person, soon,"
With the Kindest Regards,
Your Mother
After reading the letter, she set it on the corner of her desk. It read like something her mother would write to her when she was in King's Landing and her mother was in Winterfell. She remembered all the letters she wrote about how optimistic she had been to live in the Tower of the Hand, and of course, how she was excited to spend time with her...betrothed Joffrey. She had been wrong about Joffrey, and if Stafford hadn't been there or if Joffrey hadn't killed her father, she would probably still be enamored with the 'Baratheon' prince. While it stated that Stafford still needed to prove himself to her, she knew that at least earning enough trust from her mother to allow for that was an accomplishment for Stafford. Of course, she never doubted that Stafford could accomplish it. Sansa knew nothing of wars, or intrigue, and she knew that Stafford or even her brother, Robb did not know much about the topic as well. But she knew, in fact everyone with a sane mind knew, that if the Starks and Baratheons had united in alliance as they once had during Stafford's father Robert's Rebellion, they would threatening force in the war.
After pondering more of her thoughts about the letter from her mother, she turned her attention to the letters written by Edric and Stafford. Stafford had always written to her, and she always wrote to him. Edric barely wrote to her, in fact in the three months that they had been off at war, he had only sent her two letters. She didn't expect much from him though. And all the letters he wrote composed of only a few short sentences, hastily scrawled with an ink pen giving her news about what was going on in camp. Edric probably had more important things to do, and seeing as she probably didn't mean as much to him as she did to Stafford, she knew Edric would put a low amount of effort into the letters. She thought he could do better than scribbles about what was going in camp, the usual illegible, "Stafford's never been better" phrase that seemed have been written in worse handwriting when comparing the two letters, and random comment about how the dogs they kept at camp smelled. Come to think of it, Sansa never knew they had dogs accompany them when they marched. Must not have noticed.
She opened Edric's letter first, as it was likely going to be the shortest. She opened the unsealed letter, as is customary as his status didn't allow him the luxury of using a seal. He was a bastard after all, and while Sansa thought that might not be fair the rules were the rules. Slowly she unfolded the piece of paper that had been hastily wrapped together with a string.
I don't even know the date, 299 AC?, probably I'm not smart enough to remember,
The camps gotten more and more exciting since the battle at Harrenhal. Didn't really get as much action as I wanted, because I had to join the reserve for the fight. Stafford probably didn't want all the glory in the battle to go to his bastard brother. Got to gut a few Lannisters though, not nearly as much as our future king. The battle was almost over when the reserve coming. I'm enjoying myself, in fact I wrote this entire journal on piece of scrap vellum, next to the campfire. Couldn't even be more brilliant. Oh, but of course everyone is so happy for their Lord Stafford Baratheon, and I'm stuck with a bunch of poachers, who were forced into the army. How nice of him. Of course, he wouldn't be celebrating much even if he had no one to take care of his armor and made sure his axe was battle ready. Oh that's right, I do all that. And what do I receive in return for all of my services. Dinner with poachers, and misfits, while Stafford goes and celebrates with the nobility. And then I have to find time to write to his little friend, Sansa was it? I wish I didn't have to, I don't care about that girl. She's like a bird, sweet and always singing, and Stafford seems to be lulled by the song. Can't really blame him, though. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Stafford or any of this. It's better than being stuck in Storm's End with Renly, though not by much. The two act like each other, and it is no wonder they get along. But behind closed doors, not all love and adore them as much as they think. They're not as bad as those, who killed my father, but the only reason I support them is, because they are kin. In fact I see a little bit of myself in the two. Yet I never get recognized. Otherwise, I wouldn't waste my breath having to fight for anything. Oh well, what can a bastard ask for anyway…
The note that seemed like some young boys journal entry ended right there. Sansa seemed a little shocked at what Edric had written, it it seemed like it wasn't something that she received. Edric seemed a little disgruntled with his current role in the war, being squire to Stafford. While some would have killed to be in the same position being allowed to interact with a future king, Edric seemed to want more. But knowing where he came from, especially being brothers with Stafford, and being the son of King Robert Baratheon of all people, he seemed true to his heritage. Stafford was willing to start a war with his own brother with the goal of becoming king. But even he knew that he had to be patient, so he decided to become a Lord instead of crowning himself king like so many others. True kings wait for the people to crown them, not to crown for themselves to show their power. Stafford was a true king, and even what she heard of Robb seemed to be the same way. The two knew honor, yet fought a different way. Her brother fought with honor even at the hinderance of the victory. Stafford wanted victory and he would pursue victory at all costs. And both would make for a better king than Joffrey or any of the Lannisters would ever become.
Edric didn't seem to think as much about her, to the point of calling her a 'bird that lulled Stafford through song'. She tried to think of the last person, who ever called her that. Edric didn't intend to send her a long journal entry of his own concoction about all his complaints, but he just did. She felt sorry for Edric, but she hoped he would come to his senses. She was sure Stafford or anyone in camp wouldn't make him feel that way on purpose. He was just different, that was all just like Jon was to her. She didn't hate Jon, and he probably didn't hate her as well, but they weren't nearly as close to her as Arya was. The two got along like two friends, she might have gotten along more with Jon than she did with her. Especially now after all that had happened between the two of them. She pushed aside Edric's journal entry, I don't think she would even bother replying to that. The last thing she wanted was for Edric to get upset, and take out his frustrations in a way that would hinder Stafford's effort.
She quickly unsealed the seal black on yellow seal that remained unbroken. She always gave her full attention to whatever he wrote when she received the letter. It was the loose thread that held them together, that and the locket. They were literally miles apart from each other, and she longed for him to return. But she knew he had a job to do, and she knew he would repay him with an entire lifetime together when he returned to her. Sansa slowly unrolled the letter.
Dearest Sansa,
It was quite the scene after we triumphed over my grandfather in the field of battle. Before it began, I was uncertain whether or not my army would prevail against them. But by the grace of the Seven, they have given me victory over the Lannisters. While it was far from a debilitating strike dealt to my grandfather, we have showed them that we were a force to be reckoned with. Less raiding parties have come to threaten the people of the Riverlands since our victory, and my grandfather knows that he can only sit in Harrenhal, because we allow it. Meanwhile, my brother is worried about Stannis, who has been gathering some of our reserve in Dragonstone and the narrow sea to threaten King's Landing. Joffrey and my mother are in a predicament they don't want to be caught in. Not to mention, that after the battle your mother finally allowed for us to meet with her son in Riverrun. Although, I am still waiting on my advisors on the best time to go to Riverrun and meet with your brother, I am confident that the Starks and the Baratheons will soon stand together as one kingdom, against the rule of the brutal tyrant that is my brother. I am certain that if our victories and my negotiations with your family goes well, this war will soon come to end. I did not forget my promise to you, Sansa. As soon as I am able, as soon as at least some stability has returned to the realm, we will be united as one forever. I know that we are both young, but even now I know that you are the one I want to share my life with forever. I fight harder knowing as that once the war has ended, I will see you once again and we will make up for lost time. Until then, please know that I am safe, and well. Ser Barristan, and some new appointments I have made at the Kingsguard, as well as my field commanders will guarantee that.
Truly Yours,
Stafford.
Reading his letter further encouraged her that everything would be alright in the end. The word of his victories have spread throughout the realm. Some call him another Usurper looking to win the Iron Throne though he had no former claim of that intention. Some call him a hero, mostly in the Stormlands, unifying House Baratheon into a stronger house thus making the Stormlands more powerful. Others call him a puppet of his uncles, which Sansa mostly ignored. But one thing was for certain, once all the fighting stopped, Sansa and him would spend the time that they were meant to spent if it weren't for the war.