𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐒 | robert baratheon

𝐢𝐢. something worth fighting for

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

It had been a week of fighting in Vale of Arryn and all Robert Baratheon could think of was his wife, something that ignited both rage and yearning within him. Rage at the fact this war had to start and rage at the fact that it tore him from her. 

He had left Storms End quickly, leaving his younger brothers and the Stormlands in the care of Pavarti who had been heard to leave but it seemed it had been harder for her to stay. Stay safe, I beg you, Robert had whispered against her lips as he was about to board the ship. Do not let yourself be a casualty of this war of men.

I'm with you, no matter what else you have in your head. She said, pressing their foreheads together tenderly. I'm with you and I love. I shall close eyes and even that sound will reach you. Wherever you may be.

He yearned to be with her, to hold her again. But instead he held the bodies of his fallen comrades with each day. Today would be the end.

"We do not have enough men." Jon stated simply, staring down at a map of the Vale as the world around them slept. Only Robert, Jon and Ned were still awake, it seemed. They would only sleep peacefully again once this war was over. But it had only just begin.

"I could sail back to Storms End and call my banners." Robert said. "That would be more than enough men to defeat this puny army."

"But by the time you return the rest of us would all be dead." Ned said, scratching the back of his head. "The Port is blocked as well, no one can leave."

"But someone can enter." Jon said suddenly, turning to Robert wide eyed. "You must send for Stannis to bring your men."

"Stannis is still just a child, I will not have my brother mixed up in this violence yet."

"These are desperate times, Rob." Ned urged, his voice seemingly on the brink of breaking. "If I had a brother to send for any longer, I would."

Robert knew Ned had never been truly close with Brandon Stark but they had still been brother. Now he could only love his brother with a shovel. He did not want that for himself. But before he could protest yet again, a messenger pushed through the tent flaps, beyond out of breath.

"My Lords..." The messenger panted, brushing his hair out of his face. "A spy at the ports has sent word that ships bearing he sigil of House Baratheon are nearing the docks. At least a hundred, perhaps more!"

The tent went silent.

"Have you... Already sent for him?" Jon asked, brow furrowed as he turned to a dumbfounded Robert who shook his head.

"Who leads this armada?" Robert demanded of the messenger.

"The ship of House Baratheon my lord." The messenger stated, as though it were obvious. "Your wife."

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

By the time Pavarti's black stallion was spotted nearing the camp, dawn had broke and it seemed battle was due to begin yet again. Robert had passed his anger. He could be angry at her much later, he hoped. If they were still alive.

He spotted Moondancer galloping towards them across the field, followed by hundreds of horses behind her. Pavarti was beloved by the Stormlands and this was just one display. They were loyal to her to the point that they would follow her to war itself.