Callum Baratheon I's Story

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.

Steffon Baratheon

He watched his father ride away slowly; shoulders slumped slightly against the wind of beneath the weight of his duties Steffon could not tell. There had been a time when he looked forward to this trip to Kings Landing but now he was worried that a darker game was afoot, a game he did not fully understand and he cursed himself for not having listened to more of his tutors lessons on the great houses.

He was still lost in thought when Callum rode up alongside side, looking majestic on his smaller pony. Steffon smiled fondly at his younger sibling, resisting the urge to tussle the boys hair. They had been close all their lives and Steffon was glad of it. He knew of to many brothers who despised each other and he would never wish it.

When the boy spoke he couldn’t help but shake his head slightly at the enthusiasm his youngest sibling showed for spying on everyone else. Many times he had given the lad harmless tasks, never wishing him to come to any harm but now he felt that the Baratheons would need every pair of eyes and ears they could muster.

“I’m glad you asked Callum,” He said with a chuckle. “I must say I am looking forward to seeing Alyria again, it has been several years. For you however I would simply ask that you keep your eyes open and your ears ever vigilant. You never know where enemies might be lurking.”

He smiled at his brother, his own horse snorting as it cast a critical eye over the smaller pony. Steffon hoped beyond all hope that his fathers fears were unfounded and nothing would come of them.


Kale Baratheon

Kale rode on alone, trotting his mount up the line of Baratheon troops, golden cloak snapping behind him in the wind. He only slowed when he reached the foremost soldiers as they leaned back in their saddles to compensate for the hill as it dropped towards Kings Landing.

“Alright there m’lord?” Asked a heavyset man with a shaved head. This was Ser Dylan, a knight as fierce as any in the realm. His mother had died giving birth to him only minutes after washing ashore from a shipwreck. His name literally meant From the Sea. Kale would have no other man leading his bodyguard.

“Aye Ser Dylan. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen these walls and I don’t feel any ease at seeing them again.”

The knight nodded. “I can’t say I disagree with you m’lord. Lions, Dragons, Wolves and Kraken. Not a fine mix for any beast.”

Kale nodded again. “You’re right. Keep my family safe.”

The intensity with which Kale spoke seemed to catch the knight off guard for a moment but he quickly pressed a hand to his chest. “As if they were my own m’lord.”

They said no more as they descended the hill, entering the final stretch of road before reaching Kings Landing. Kale could not help but feel he would never leave this city again.

Willem Lannister

Elaena had been quick to depart, of course after exchanging pleasantries with him. In all, Willem felt it had gone pretty well. The kiss of the hand may have been a bit much, but from what he could tell, she seemed interested. He thought he had made her nervous, but of course, Willem had that effect on more than a few girls. It did cross his mind that perhaps he shouldn't be going after the sisters of his best friend, seeing as...well, he really had no intention of marrying anyone here, unless father absolutely demanded it. Alliances could be secured with the daughters, after all. It would allow Willem to better focus on becoming a knight for his father. At least, that was what he'd explain to Tybolt if he got it in his head that Willem needed to get married to someone.

The thoughts were wiped from his mind when his name was called out from across the hall. He turned to see Rhaegar approaching, and raised his arms, roaring like the lion of Lannister himself. "And there's the dragon himself!" The two friends clapped into an embrace, Willem grinning from ear to ear. "It's been too long, Rhaegar."

They broke the embrace, Willem practically bouncing on his feet with the excitement. "My friend, this is going to be a nameday celebration to remember. I've heard my father is going to fund a tourney in your father's honor. Ah, but I can't wait to enter the lists! I'm going to unhorse a Greyjoy, mark my words. Or...do the Greyjoys even ride horses? You can't joust from the back of a warship, can you?"

He didn't wait for an answer to the question, instead charging on. "No matter. The tourney will be glorious, Greyjoys on their arses or no. And the girls! Oh, but the girls! They turn out in droves for a tourney. Bah, but what is this, I'm doing all the talking! How are you?"

---

Donnel Greyjoy

Lady Amalya glided smoothly into the dock, pulling up alongside the King's impressive warship Kingslander. Donnel's warship nearly matched the size of it, and the pair together looked quite impressive compared to most of the smaller vessels docked throughout the area. The Kraken wasn't quite as magnificent as the Dragon just yet, but Donnel knew it would happen in time. His look grew rather distant as he surveyed the docks and city beyond.

"The Kraken will swallow this city whole someday, brother. I just hope we're around to see it."

His second in command approached from the deck of oars, where many of the men appeared glad for a chance to rest their arms. "Tying her up now, lord. Welcome t' King's Landin'," he said, with a flourish of his arms.

Donnel cracked a smile at the black bearded ironman. "My thanks, Larren. I want a skeleton crew aboard while my brother and I conduct our business within the city, ready to sail at a moment's notice. Take shifts. Those not aboard can enjoy the city as they will. If there's something that requires my attention, I want the message delivered by you alone, Larren."

The ironman nodded his understanding. "Yes, m'lord."

Donnel descended to the crew deck. "Try not to kill anyone who doesn't deserve it," he called to his men, which was responded to with hearty laughter. Donnel was somewhat worried about them. They were good, loyal men, but they were a proud bunch, and warriors all. Trouble they caused in the city would likely fall back onto him. Hopefully Larren would keep them in line.

"Come on, brother," he called back to Harlon, stepping off the ship and onto the dock. "Let's see if we can't find the others. I hope we aren't the first ones here. To have to deal with all these other families by ourselves...well, I'd rather not think about it."

---

Callum Baratheon

"Can do, big brother," Callum said cheerily.

Good. His brother hadn't told him to follow anyone specifically. That meant he could do whatever he wanted! And if he heard something interesting, he'd of course relay it back to his big brother. Callum, too, was looking forward to seeing the Starks again. Aeron was probably his best friend outside of Storm's End. Whenever he was around, he and Callum always seemed to think of fun things that were much more entertaining than whatever Callum alone could do. It was like Aeron had a skill for having fun that Callum hadn't mastered quite as well.

And of course Steffon wanted to see Alyria again. Callum was starting to wonder when they'd ever get married. They had been betrothed for as long as Callum could remember, and both of them were well past the age they could initially marry. Perhaps they didn't know each other well enough? It was possible, and Callum didn't presume to understand the first thing about marriage and relationships and all that.

For now, the young Baratheon was content to ride beside his brother, feeling like a great knight of House Baratheon.

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.

Rhaegar Targaryen

Willem was exactly right... it had been too long. He couldn't even remember the last time they had seen each other. His great friend had definitely grown into more of a man since the last time they had spoken. He was taller than Rhaegar himself, of course he had two years on the young Targaryen. His friend began talking rapidly, and Rhaegar couldn't do anything but smile. The excitement was plain on Willem's face, and in his words.

When he finally stopped to breathe, Rhaegar couldn't help but bellow out a laugh, echoing off the stone walls. "Ah, my friend, you haven't changed a bit!" he exclaimed, taking a step back.

"I'll make you a deal. You get one Greyjoy brother, and I get the other!" He smiled, his white teeth gleaming. "Of course then, that means next I'll have to unhorse you myself!" He laughed again, clapping his hand on his friend's shoulder. He chose not to respond to Willem's mention of the girls. His friend didn't know about his love for his sister, Jaehaerys. No one did. And he wanted to keep it that way. He had no idea what his father would think, let alone his friends who didn't understand the Targaryen way of marrying sister and brother. And if his friend found out it wasn't just for duty, but also for love? He didn't want to think of it.

He waved a hand, not caring that his friend had so much to talk about. "Being a prince is boring," he responded. "Although I have become quite skilled with a bow. You and I must go in to the yard and-"

"My lord," a guard said, approaching from the doorway. Rhaegar turned reluctantly away from his friend to the guard. "Your mother requests your presence in the Great Hall."

So it was time already? He silently cursed the guard for interrupting his reunion with Willem. "Very well, I will be there shortly," he replied to the guard before dismissing him. He turned back to his friend. "Alas, it seems I must go. But we will talk later." He embraced his friend once more before leaving for the Great Hall. As he walked inside, he noticed that all the ladies of his family were already present, sitting in their respective places, and his elder brother, the heir, sat next to his father's throne. He scowled.

He approached his mother first, bowing slightly, though not smiling as he addressed her. "Mother, you look absolutely beautiful." He moved to Jaehaerys, and her beauty made him pause. Her gown was breathtaking, and the low plunging neckline immediately drew his eyes. He felt warmth rising to his cheeks, and he quickly kissed her hand saying, "You look lovely, my sister." He exchanged pleasantries with his other two sisters, before taking his place beside his youngest sibling, Vysenia. He sat still, a neutral look on his face. He wasn't looking forward to seeing and watching all the royal families shower his older brother with nice words, while Rhaegar himself would be almost nonexistent. The families would spend more time being friendly with the future king than the younger brother who wouldn't amount to much.

---

Alys Greyjoy

She had enjoyed exploring the city, seeing both the beautiful and downtrodden parts. All of it was absolutely fascinating. Most citizens just stared at her, obviously not knowing who she was. Perhaps they were confused why such a beautiful woman was wearing breeches and a tunic, instead of a gown like most ladies. Or perhaps they sensed that she was higher born than she looked. Either way, she graced them with a smile before moving on.

As she emerged from an alleyway, she saw that she was right near the docks. She scanned the boats, and her eyes instantly found her brother's ship, Lady Amalya. She quickly made her way through the throngs of people, searching for her brothers. After searching, she found they had just walked off the boat. She took off at a dead run, throwing her arms around Donnel when she reached him, squealing with delight. She clung to him for a good minute, before releasing him and stepping back. "Brother, it is good to see you," she said, a large smile on her face. She glanced over at her younger brother. "Harlon, how did you like the trip?" she asked, placing her hand on his shoulder for a moment.

She listened to their responses, smiling the entire time. She felt whole again now that she knew Donnel was here in King's Landing with her. Before she could say anything else to him, her father's guard approached them, Duncan. "My lady, I am glad to have found you," he said to her, before also addressing her brothers. She listened to them exchange words for a few moments, before growing bored. She grabbed a spare horse that had come with the guard, and hopped on. "I will see you at the castle, brothers!" she exclaimed, before turning the horse around and letting him gallop down the street.

The people parted before her, grumbling that she was coming down the streets so quickly. She hardly cared though, loving the feeling of her hair flowing behind her, as red as fire. When she reached the castle gates, she dismounted the horse and handed him off to the stable boy. He took the horse to the stables while she looked around in awe. The castle was so large! She walked around a little, not really knowing where she was going. She wondered if she would run into anyone from the other families, and if they would even know who she was.

---

Aeron Stark

A huge grin lit up Aeron's face at his father's words. His father and brothers were normally much too busy to practice dueling with him. The thought excited him. "With one condition," he said, "I get to use a real sword!" He giggled, finally stopping circling his father's horse, and riding to the left of him.

He gave a shout of surprise as his father lifted him up onto his large horse. He felt so tall! He laughed as the horse turned through the streets with ease, people scrambling out of their way, not wanting to get trampled. When he looked ahead, he saw the black stag on a gold field, the banner of the Baratheons. Behind their banner loomed the walls of the Red Keep, so large they made him feel like the tiniest ant.

The two houses rode together the final distance to the castle gates, where he found the rest of his family waiting. He found that his eldest sister was waiting for the eldest Baratheon, and they exchanged pleasantries. Aeron really wasn't interested in hearing what they had to say, so he hopped off his father's horse, landing swiftly on his feet.

He walked around his father's horse, finding Callum Baratheon with his family. "Callum!" he called happily, smiling and waving.

Willem Lannister

How right Rhaegar was. Being a prince was a dull affair, riddled with responsibility and a future that was determined for you. Being a Lannister, however, or more accurately, being rich, was quite the opposite. What Willem wouldn't have given to not be a prince, to not have all the responsibilities saddled on him, and to maintain his wealth...well, it was too good of a life to hope for. Still, he had a right to dream.

"When all this royally dull business is through here," he called as Rhaegar left to join his family, "you and I will see what trouble we can get up to!"

Willem sighed when Rhaegar was gone, knowing that he needed to rejoin his own family as well. The sooner this was over, the better. It was impossible to experience a city trapped in a keep like this. He walked swiftly back towards the entrance of the Great Hall, passing various people, some he recognized, some he didn't, few he was interested in speaking with. He knew how these reunions of the Houses worked. This was a time for alliance building and backstabbing, political pandering and arse-kissing to get one's House on top. Willem wanted no part of it. Some of these people were nice enough, but the young Lannister prince would much rather spend time among the honest common folk of Kings Landing, and in the company of good friends, rather than licking the boots of those who you wanted something from.

He passed Joanna, who had just engaged in conversation with Brandon Stark, he who had so famously granted Willem's sister her lofty title. He was tempted to interrupt with some playful, teasing comment, but instead gave his sister a small smile and a knowing wink, before heading off without a word. Joanna was likely at the forefront of his father's power games he so loved to play. He felt sorry that she probably didn't have much choice in where her life was to go from here.

"Father," he called, seeing Tybolt a ways past Joanna, and coming to a stop at his side. "Sorry for running off like that, I simply had to find Rhaegar before all this royal...well, before the celebrations began."

He'd been about to speak negatively about Uncle Aegon's whole nameday affair, but thought better of it at the last second. He and his father had quite different ideas about responsibility, and Willem had no doubt that Tybolt did not think kindly about Willem's obvious aversions to it.

---

Donnel Greyjoy

The eldest Greyjoy hardly had time to recognize his sister before she threw herself on him. He laughed at the warm embrace, smiling at her when she finally released him. "Likewise, Alys. I'm glad to see the city doesn't daunt you. It's a bit much to take in on your first trip here."

Donnel was quite protective of his younger sister, and had been somewhat worried about how she would fare in a city like King's Landing, but judging from her state of excitement, Donnel guessed she was doing fine. One of his father's men, Duncan, approached then with a horse brought for Alys. He greeted the three Greyjoys, stating his intention to return Alys to her father's side, and to summon Donnel and Harlon as well. They needed to greet the King.

"No doubt we'll need to greet the Lannisters too. I know they've sorely missed our company. We'll catch up with you at the castle, then."

Donnel hadn't brought any horses aboard Lady Amalya. He detested having the animals aboard his ships. All they did was get in the way, and shit on the decks. He was a skilled rider, of course, but horses didn't belong on boats anymore than boats belonged on land.

His sister then rode off with Duncan, leaving Donnel and Harlon alone with the crew once more. Donnel noted that they looked eager to be away from the ship, to explore the city as they would. Donnel adjusted the shield slung across his back, and patted Harlon on the shoulder.

"We'd better get going, father won't want us to be late. Just...remind me to leave the axe at my belt if any of the Lannisters get out of hand. I'm likely to start a war if there's another brawl between our fathers like last year."

---

Callum Baratheon

It was a big meeting of the Stark and Baratheon Houses, with Callum's father greeting Edrick Stark, his brother Steffon reuniting with his betrothed, Alyria, Brennidon and Aubrey conversing off to the side...Callum suspected it was because there wasn't a Baratheon near their ages. Callum himself hadn't become too close to either of them, though he thought them nice. Brandon Stark was the only one not present, having disappeared into the Great Hall after telling Callum to keep Aeron out of trouble. Callum laughed at that. No one could keep Aeron out of trouble. He watched Brandon leave. Callum had excitedly informed Steffon last year that the eldest Stark thought Joanna Lannister was some kind of queen of beauty and loveliness or something, only to be told that all the Seven Kingdoms already knew.

And there was Aeron. Callum grinned from ear to ear, waving at his friend from atop his horse.

"Tell me you've got something in mind for what to do when all the greetings are done," he said. Aeron always had the best ideas, even if they occasionally got him into trouble. The young Baratheon always seemed to have significantly more fun when Aeron Stark was around.