Spread outward on all sides all I could see Was a rolling grassy plain backed up to the rivers that merge to create the trident.

Robert Baratheon sat on his massive war horse at the tip of the Vanguard. 40000 from 4 of the greatest noble houses of the continent of Westeros. All being driven to place him on the Iron throne. Scoffing at the thought of him! Sitting on the throne. He had no wish to sit on a pile of melted iron blades..

No the only desire Robert Baratheon had was to find his missing betrothed. The woman he loved.

The man responsible for taking the love of his life, and then subsequently the death of her father and eldest brother, sat astride across on his own Great War mount at the shores of the trident. Rhaegar Targaryen.

Rage and something more flowed through every vein in his body, for the man that took lyanna Stark from him.

No, it was impossible

No, Robert was many things but he wasn't a fool. Lyanna was never the typical lady of noble birth. She was known for being fierce, passionate, and the best equestrian in the North. No he knew that she had not been kidnapped like Peter Baelish had claimed.

The war so far, from the battles at the ruins of Summerhall, to the battle of the Bells, and the following skirmishes had been fueled by the murder of a warden and his heir.

The Mad King had demanded the head's of Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon, for conspiracy of treason. truthfully that was the reason we had brought the realm to this point.

Gazing out over the tens of thousands of small Folk, various Knights, and Nobles hailing from four of the regions of Westeros. Confident eyes shone brightly back at him. Some from Determination, and acceptance or others of fear and anticipation , regardless they were looking for encouragement from the man they were going to Crown King.

Taking a deep breath and shaking himself of his wandering thoughts.

" John, Ned!" His deep baritone rang out to his foster father and Foster brother. Turning towards his banner men he called,

" someone bring me half a dozen camp chairs, and a table!" Surprised Grunts we're all the indication his orders were being followed.

" John send a rider out for a parlay with dragon. Tell him to bring no more than two guards, and we will meet in the middle." He instructed, gesturing to a clear area on a a slight rise some hundreds of yards forward.

Surprised, going by the look on Neds face, Robert noted,

" Robert what in the seven Hells are you talking about?" Ned exclaimed. Urging his grey stallion towards the Baratheons.

" Before we start killing, pitting family against family, fight'n each other, I want to know why." Was all he responded with.

" so be it." Jon replied, already setting the orders in motion.

Robert reach around to his saddle bag to bring out a flag of parlay, tying it off around the tip of his lance, he handed it to the young man Jon had gathered to mark the meeting.

Watching the young squire ride out, he turned and raised his voice, " at ease men! Shit,piss eat or drink! This might jist take awhile." A general grumble agreement sounded around him. Men dropping unto the ground. Others waiting for their sergeants commands.

Gazing out to the field, watching the boy approached the enemy lines, a representative in Targaryen colors rode out to meet the squire. Time passed as the messages were exchanged and the squire turned his horse about and burst into a Canter towards his waiting liege.

Ned solemn and quiet at his side and Jon with his face scrunched up beside him, they waited. Not but the sound of general clatter and chatter of a 40 thousand strong force can make.

As soon as the boy returns he began to speak quickly, "sire! He agrees to meet, two kingsguard will attend!"

The three Lords turned to each other and nodded.

"Thank you, take your place in formation son." Jon's voice called over the murmurs from behind them, to the squire.

Robert gave Ned a slap on the shoulder, "It must seem strange, me acting with a cool head all of a sudden, but Ned," he took a breath his voice dropping to a whisper."I need to know."

The Stark graced him with a nod of understanding.

Just then The men sent to gather the stools and table arrived. Panting from there quick run from the base camp fulfilling their lords order.

Robert, Grunting in thanks, motioned the men forward and took the gear himself and set his steed at a trot out toward the no man's land.

Seeing this, Jon and Ned followed keeping pace by his side. Glad he had his closest confidants as his advisors they made it quickly to level spot just at the halfway mark of the two armies.

Jon pulled out their sigils and placed the standards a few feet behind their set sitting place. The golden stag on a Black field resplendent in the morning light, the Arryn blue back ground with a silver falcon and half crescent moon, and snarling grey direwolf of a black field. Placing out the table, three chairs on either side, half dozen cups and a jug of watered down wine. Silently thanking the men for bringing the wine Ned filled their cups and sipped in silence with his companions.

They didn't have to wait long as three Horsemen with the three headed dragon standard moved swiftly towards the men. A silver haired prince at the head, and two white clad kingsguard knights at his heels.

"Prince Rhaegar." Robert called in greeting, forcing his voice to a calm rumble, standing as they approached cautiously.

"Lord Robert." Was the reply, the man's own tone was of weary surprise. "This was an unexpected, but welcome surprise. When the emissary informed me of your wish to parlay."

the silver prince continued as he settled across from his Baratheon cousin.

" there is near 80 thousand men, from green boys to hard veterans, and peasant levies on this field." He began to explain his seemingly impulsive decision.

" Many of our people have died in the few short months since this War began, since we were forced to pick up arms. As we speak my brothers are starving in our home surrounded on all sides, while a flower tourneys and feasts outside their walls. A woman was taken seemingly against her will, then her father and brother murdered, their men butchered. While we have tasted both victory and bemoaned defeat equally." He paused to drink letting his words seep.

"Before we lead our men unto another field of Butchery let me ask you, Prince Rhaegar, why? Why did you take her?" His voice taking a hint of anger, but mixed with sorrow.

A dozen eyeballs grew in size as they took in the words of the normally boisterous and arrogant young Lord.

" ser Barristan, Ser Lywen leave us for now."

"Jon, Ned would you please do the same."

They requested of their companions.

Each went to protest, though the looks sent their way by their leaders quelled anymore outburst from either party.

Once they were alone, the violet-eyed prince began to speak. His hands gripping the pewter cup.

" It began at the tourney of Harrenhal, a year and a half ago. Lyanna, She was the Knight of the Laughing tree." He revealed.

"When the king in his paranoia ordered the knight seized, I went to search as was expected of me.

Near the river I came across a a young woman removing steel plate and tossing it in to the water, cursing as she struggles with the grieves." Rhaegar's voice took on an almost wistful tone.

Robert poured the prince more wine and passed it to the man as he continued.

" she was lovey, fierce and defensive as I called out to her Robert. I made it clear there was no way she was going to be arrested. as we spoke she told me why she felt compelled to compete as a knight. It was Honor, to unhorse this gaggle of ignorant boys that attacked her friend on the road to the tourney. Knowing I could never turn such a young woman to my father I swore to protect her Secret."

Robert stared at the man his eyes wide, and a knowing grin stretched across his clean shaven face. He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Lyanna the fierce she-wolf.

" that's why you crowned her queen of love and beauty isn't it?" Robert stated, realization hitting him.

"Yes, we met in secret before the end of the tournament and fell in love Robert, and swore to write one another. I shouldn't have had those feelings as I was married to Elia, but there was no love for us it was an arranged marriage. Elia is a dear friend, we know each other, but there was no love, she knew about Lyanna and approved of an annulment so long as Aegon stays as my heir.

Through Ravens we wrote each other and planned to elope, she had no wish to marry you, Robert. She raged about the whoring, your drinking, and the bastard daughter you sired in the Vale."

Each word cut deeper into The Baratheons Heart, anger rose quickly but it was the shame of knowing it was true that hurt the most.

" She saw you Robert with a different whore every night during the tournament. You swore you loved her but couldn't stay celibate even while she was there in front of you." The prince finished.

" You didn't kidnap her." It was a statement, Roberts voice verging on despair and shamed of the truth.

" No cousin, I did not!" Rhaegar's voice gained an edge, sick and tired of being called a rapist.

Rhaegar looked at the man across from him, taking a breath to calm himself.

Robert lifted his head from his hands and asked, " she is with child isn't she? You already married, the annulment complete "

Rhaeger tensed, but gave a jerk of his head and said, "Yes, it's true. Arthur, Oswell, and Gerold Hightower stood witness as the high septon presided over the ceremony, they are protecting her and the unborn child right now."

Robert Baratheon's head fell into his hands, and tried to choke down his sobs of sorrow.

"Rober…" The prince began before he was cut off.

"Does she love you?" The strained voice of the visibly distraught man rang softly.

"Yes..and I her. By the Gods, and I her." Rhaegar swore.

The young men sat there in each others company for what seemed like a lifetime, but was only a handful of minutes before Robert spoke again, his emotions still raw.

"There has to be concessions if I am to bend the knee to you, and only you. " he said softly, his voice strengthening as he did so.

" Obviously your father has to go. No negotiating that. He killed a warden and their heir. I'm not asking you to kill your own father, but allow Ned Stark to decide his fate. regardless you will take the iron throne immediately. No repercussions, no reprisal against the lord and people who have risen up. Take Jon Arryn as your hand, he's one of the wisest men I've ever met and it will quell any dissent in the vale. My brother Renly or Stannis will stay as your guest in King's landing. The Tully's are married in to the Vale and North, they will follow their family's decisions."

Taking a breath Robert spoke again. "I formally pronounce that I dissolve any betrothal that may exist between myself and Lady Stark."

With that spoken Robert stood and rubbed away the sorrow from his face and waited for the prince's response.

Standing as well the Prince spoke.

" I accept all terms, Robert Baratheons, Lord Paramount of the stormlands."

relief flooded the prince's voice.

dropping to a knee he swore his oath, " I Robert Baratheon Lord Paramount of the stormlands lord of Stormsend hereby swear fealty to my King Rhaegar Targaryen the first of his name from this day to my last, I shall follow you."

Placing his hands on his cousin's shoulders the prince completed the oath of fealty,

" I swear upon the old gods and the new to serve the realm and All its peoples from this day to my last, rise my lord".

Rising just as two sets of bewildered men arrive back.

"Robert!" Neds angry voice shouted out.

"Wait!" He shouted back, drowning out the protests of his enraged friend.

Quickly explaining himself to his best friend, and addressing the concerns of both men. There was silence.

"Prince Rhaegar, " Stark addressed the man, turning his attention towards him.

" I will have justice for my father and brother."

He stated. His voice booking no argument.

" So be it, I cannot kill my own father, but he will no long sit the iron throne, you have my oath. For peace I will allow you to decide his fate. "

Rhaegar confirmed in resolution. The kingsguard heard the claim, loud and clear.

Rhaegars's head snapped towards the two men. Eying them intently.

"You must choose now, serve me, or die." His voice devoid of all emotion, hating himself for having questioning their loyalty to him.

The men's faces grew pale. Complete understanding shown In their eyes.

After a long moment they knelt together and swore their swords to the king of the realm.

" Long may he reign…"

Repeating the oath of fealty, Jon and Ned sat back down letting the last hour of truths and revelations run through their minds once more.

Neds point of view:

"How are we to finish this war? Aery's still sits the throne, the crownlands and the reach at at his command as well." He reminded his cohorts.

"We need a strategy." Jon agreed.

The men gave their ascent around him. Looking out to the Targaryen army, and coming to a conclusion.

"The standards block out this area of either side as was intended, with their shape and size. " hinting at a budding plan.

" the only reason we saw you kneel Lord Robert was because he were to the sides with the horses." Ser Barristan supplied coming to the same conclusion.

"Deception." Jon's voice rang out softly.

"Kin.."

"Just call me Rhaegar." The prince ordered.

"Right, well Rhaegar, if you take your men back to the Capitol while we march to Stormsend to settle the siege and Mace Tyrell."

" I would join you with my Knights." Intoned Jon Arryn.

"We would strike our banners and March under your own, that way no one knows we are their, my knights will follow you to the Redkeep and help you take it without the worry of divided loyalty of your men." Robert Finished.

"Nearly bloodless, Yes, and Ser Barristan and lord Lonmouth, will join you to Stormsend." The prince said, catching on to the plan.

"We just need to find a way to do this without spies alerting king Aery's. " I threw out to discuss.

"We cage all Ravens, and we March today. That way we can join the hosts and keep ahead of any one messenger." I suggested.

"We set the men marching as soon as we get the camps packed. Lord Stark I will give you a map to where Lyanna is, take 100 men, and I will send someone Ser Gerold will trust to allow you to pass, along with a letter. " the prince explained.

"She would be due to give birth by the time you get there. Gods I want to go myself. " his voice full of frustration.

We agreed to our roles and set to meet once our commanders were notified and speak again on the road.