Snippet #1972731

Kale Baratheon

Kale had never been quite so delighted another man before in his life as a familiar voice rang out and Edrick Stark rode up. The two men clasped arms across their horses shoulders and Kale returned his friends greeting with a broad smile.

"It has been to long Edrick. I thought the north might have gotten you after all." The two men shared a laugh as Steffon and Callum rode up. Kale swiftly reintroduced them to Edrick. He had always been surprised at how healthy the Northman looked for all of his freezing winters and blistering cold storms that ravaged the north, but then again, that was also what made him strong. They continued their ride into Kingslanding together as they had years before after winning great victories in the name of the Targaryens.

The small folk in the streets watched them pass, cheering the two lords who quite popular amongst them. The Starks and the Baratheons might be know as fierce fighters and skilled generals but none could doubt their kindness to the common folk. Kale couldn't help but feel the swell of pride he had after his last visit to this city and noticed that Edrick enjoyed it as much as he.

Their ride took them into the castle proper where, to Kales surprise, Alyria Stark stood waiting. She wasted no time in approaching the still mounted men and curtseying to Steffon, ignoring the rest of them. Edrick at least recognized the lack of manners and moved swiftly to introduce her again. When he slid from his horse and helped her up Kale dropped from his own mount, this was a moment for the younger folk and he would not spoil it.


Steffon Baratheon

Steffon had heard much of Edrick Stark though he had not seen him, nor his daughter, in near five years. He was pleased to see the friendship between his father and his long time friend, a man would need friends in the court of the Targaryens. He was very much aware that he was not invited to join in their conversation so he held back, continuing to ride with his younger brother as they entered Kingslanding.

Here at least was distraction. The city was massive, the throngs of common folk parting before them, cheering the two great lords as Steffon hoped they would someday cheer him. He saw sights he would never have seen in Stormsend, massive markets, grand temples and more people then he thought possible in one place. He was still in awe when they entered the Red Keep.

He was suddenly aware that that his father and Edrick had paused, then moved apart as a girl whose beauty took his breath away approached. He recognized her at once, though it took her speaking to confirm it. He bowed in return to her curtsey, and then thanked Lord Edrick as he named his daughter.

"My lady, I may not have changed but you have grown even more beautiful then the last time I saw you." There was conviction in his voice for he did not lie, she was stunning.