Snippet #1967863

Callum Baratheon

King's Landing wasn't all that far from Storm's End, so the Baratheons had been able to make a number of trips to visit the ruling family, but every time, the sight of the city and the Red Keep from afar took Callum's breath. Storm's End had its own kind of beauty, but it was more a beauty in the strength of the stone, the heroic history of the place, rather than the physical beauty that King's Landing possessed. Callum often wished he lived in a place like this instead. It was less windy here.

He rode a good ways behind his brother and father, further back in the Baratheon train, and watched as Steffon and Kale had their conversation. His father and brother worked so well together, he thought. Steffon would make such a wonderful leader, nay, he already was! Surely with him at the helm, House Baratheon would become the most powerful, respected family in the land. Except for the Targaryens, of course. They were the King and Queen, and were to be payed the greatest respects, as Callum had been taught. But that didn't mean he couldn't become friends with them.

In fact, he'd had little choice, being betrothed to the youngest of them, Vysenia. He got the stupid butterflies in his stomach thinking about her, and it annoyed him. He hoped he'd get over that soon. Steffon had explained that it would go away in time, after spending more time with her. And that was certainly what they'd be doing here in King's Landing, for the King's nameday celebration.

He trotted his horse up beside Steffon's. His was no warhorse like his elder brother's, so he seemed quite tiny beside him, especially considering the size difference. Still, it felt good to be beside his brother, even if Callum remained in his shadow. He didn't mind. Steffon and his father seemed to have finished their discussion, so Callum leaned up next to his brother, speaking quietly to him.

"Is there anyone in particular you want me to spend time with, brother?"

It was a two-sided question. Of course there was the need for him to exchange pleasantries with certain nobles, simply out of respect, and Callum wasn't sure what his family's plan was as far as who they were going to be spending a good deal of time with today. But Callum had also been acting as a sort of spy for his brother, engaging in conversation with nobles, or perhaps just overhearing things they said, and relaying them back to Steffon. He enjoyed the task greatly, as he did with any chance to serve his brother. He suspected his father knew about the spying, but couldn't be sure. He hadn't stopped Steffon from giving him tasks, that was for sure.

---

Willem Lannister

Willem's horse pounded the road along the way to the Red Keep, the thrill of the speed quickening his heart beat. The sights and sounds of the city rushed by him in a blur, and Willem ignored the occasional startled yell of a commoner in the road. The Keep loomed up ahead, the seat of the Targaryens, and hopefully the place Willem would find Rhaegar. It crossed his mind that he could possibly run into the King, and that it could be awkward, but Willem didn't really care. Aegon had always viewed Willem favorably, he thought, and it would probably turn out well regardless of what manner Willem approached him in.

It was a straight shot up Aegon's High Hill to the Red Keep, and soon Willem found himself trotting through the gate and into the courtyard. A stable boy offered to take his horse as Willem smoothly dismounted, and he offered him his thanks, informing him that he didn't plan to be long. He hoped to leave with Rhaegar with him, see if they couldn't find some fun in the city. Willem then made his way inside.

He initially had been taking a moment to take in the splendor of the main hall, but his attention was soon drawn away by the woman descending the steps. He recognized Elaena almost immediately, looking absolutely ravishing in a lovely ivory dress. Elaena had never been as warm towards Willem as he would have liked, but that had never lessened his opinion of her beauty.

"Elaena!" he called cheerily, making his way over to her. "I apologize if I'm early, I couldn't resist."

He came before at the base of the steps. Willem himself, while slightly dusted from the day's ride, still managed to look quite dashing, garbed in the crimson and gold of House Lannister, and armed with his charming smile as always. He gave Elaena a quick bow of his head before gently taking hold of her hand and planting a quick kiss upon it, then releasing it.

"Your beauty grows by the day, my lady. However, I was hoping to find Rhaegar. Would you happen to know where I might find him?"

---

Donnel Greyjoy

Donnel cracked a grin as his younger brother approached. He had approved of his father's decision to send him along. Seeing Donnel at the helm of his warship would be good for Harlon, give him a taste of what his own command would be like when he grew into it. And Donnel was glad for his company. He enjoyed his brother's attitude, and he served as a welcome relief whenever Donnel was feeling...poorly, about whatever may have been troubling him.

"Looking to gather up a few salt wives while we're here, little brother?" Donnel asked jokingly. "I'm sure there's plenty in Flea Bottom that are your type."

It was a common occurrence, the two brothers teasing each other like this. Donnel shouted down to one of his men. "Larren, bring us in next to Kingslander."

His second in command took over giving orders to the oarsmen and guiding the Lady Amalya into the docks. Donnel took the opportunity to speak with his brother.

"If all goes well, brother, we'll have two ladies on board when we leave, a wife for each of us. I know Father doesn't mean to waste this trip to King's Landing, and securing marriages for the both of us is likely at the top of his list of things to accomplish. But I'm sure you'll do fine. The ladies love you, of course."

He knew his brother would do well here. He was a good follower of the Greyjoy Iron Way, and would make both Donnel and his father proud.