Skyrim System In Westeros

The time for the planned war on the Stepstone was drawing near. At Greenstone on Estermont Island in the Stormlands, green turtle banners fluttered everywhere. This was the ancestral home of Wright's maternal uncle's family, who now pledged allegiance to Renly. Over the past decade, they had amassed great wealth through shipping out of Storm's End. Estermont Island itself was primarily home to their vassals, soldiers, and families, with only a few scattered fishing villages.

Now, the port of Greenstone was abuzz with activity. Merchant ships and fleets from various lords along the eastern coast of the continent constantly delivered supplies here, unloading quickly before setting sail again.

Wright's elder cousin, Ser Aemon Estermont, and his younger cousin, Ser Andrew Estermont oversaw the operations at the port. Both wore noble attire with the green turtle emblem embroidered on their chests. Nearby, a few scribes diligently recorded the influx of goods in their ledgers.

The volume of goods was overwhelming. Many ordinary homes had been repurposed as makeshift warehouses. Sacks and crates, marked with the sigils of various noble houses, were categorized and stored in designated locations after inspection.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the warehouse district. A group of soldiers, clad in armor and draped in green turtle surcoats, escorted four men to the port overseers.

"Ser Aemon, Ser Andrew, these four were caught stealing our supplies red-handed," one of the soldiers reported. The thieves were kicked to their knees, swords pressed against their necks.

The cousins scrutinized the four captives. They were dressed in rags, their bodies filthy, faces bruised, and mouths bloodied.

Ser Andrew asked, "Do you have anything to say for yourselves?"

"Mercy, my lords! We only wanted to steal something to sell so we could eat a full meal!" The men pleaded desperately.

Ser Aemon coldly commanded, "Show me your hands."

The men raised their hands forward. After a brief glance, Ser Aemon declared, "These men are spies. By the authority of my father, Lord Elston Estermont, I order their immediate execution!"

"Unjust! Please, we're innocent!"

But the blades swung swiftly, and four heads rolled to the ground.

Turning to the soldiers, Ser Aemon said, "You've done well in catching these enemy spies. The scribes will record your commendation. Continue your training."

"Thank you, Ser Aemon," the soldiers responded, saluting before marching off.

The two cousins observed the bustling port. Andrew turned to Aemon. "Brother, how did you know they were spies just by looking at their hands? Do you have some secret method?"

Aemon smirked. "Even if they were one-armed cripples, I'd still declare them spies. It's all for the soldiers to hear. The collection of war supplies must remain confidential."

Andrew nodded and complained, "Our fathers went to King's Landing to attend King Robert's wedding, leaving the two of us to deal with all this. When will it ever end?"

The eldest cousin's supported Renly, while the second cousin's sided with Stannis. Andrew was hardly skilled and usually spent his days gambling with Stannis's company, mingling with the lowlifes across the realm. It was an easy life — good food, good money, and plenty of entertainment. Now, faced with the logistics of moving massive quantities of supplies, he was at his wit's end, having gone sleepless for days.

"Brother, I've already stopped the spreading of rumors in King's Landing that there's a big trading venture between Greenstone and Storm's End," Andrew said. "But with so many supplies here now, it won't stay hidden for long. Spies and thieves are everywhere."

Aemon considered for a moment. "I'll write to our cousin Renly, proposing to temporarily move the common folk of the island to Storm's End, leaving only the soldiers. That should make it harder for spies to come ashore. Of course, we can't guarantee no one will sneak in, but we'll keep it secret as long as we can."

\---

In King's Landing, Robert's wedding proceeded as planned. All seven great lords attended, either in person or through representatives. Despite being Robert's second marriage, the ceremony was grand. He used the opportunity to host a grand tourney, ostensibly to raise funds for the royal treasury.

The wedding and tourney were both successful. The day after the tourney ended, the Red Keep was under heavy guard. Nobles from across the Seven Kingdoms whispered among themselves, while the Kingsguard stood ready outside the Small Council chamber, gripping their sword hilts. Inside, the room was packed.

King Robert sat at the head of the table. The room was so crowded that servants had to bring in an extra table to accommodate everyone. After pouring drinks for the attendees, the servants left the chamber.

Among those present were Grand Maester Pycelle, Varys the Master of Whisperers, Ser Barristan Selmy of the Kingsguard, and Jon Arryn, both Hand of the King and representative of the Vale. Stannis, the Master of Ships, was absent.

Mace Tyrell, the Master of Coin, also represented the Reach. Renly Baratheon, the Master of Laws, represented the Stormlands and also held the position of Archmage. Eddard Stark sat representing the North, while Edmure Tully stood in for his aging father, Hoster Tully, of the Riverlands.

From Dorne, Prince Quentyn Martell represented his father, Doran, who was in poor health. The Prince of Sunspear's eldest daughter was still recovering from smallpox. Tywin Lannister and his son Jaime were both ill, so Kevan Lannister attended on behalf of the Westerlands. The Iron Islands sent their lord, Sawane Botley, lord of Pyke.

Also at the table were three additional figures: the new queen's father, Mathis Rowan, and Robert's uncles, Eldon Estermont and Lomas Estermont.

In the observers' seats sat Garlan Tyrell of the Reach, Robb Stark of the North, and Tywin's second son, Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion, significantly shorter than the two young men beside him, noticed how tense they were, sitting upright and stiff. He wanted to make a quip but decided against it, given the serious atmosphere.

Renly spoke first. "The supplies for the eastern coast of the Seven Kingdoms have been prepared. Weapons and provisions have been delivered, with only a few arrows and waterproof cloth still being produced."

Kevan Lannister added, "The food and equipment from the Westerlands arrived in Oldtown last week."

Mace Tyrell chuckled at Kevan. "Hah! The Reach's supplies have long been in Oldtown. Now we're just waiting for the king's command to mobilize the troops."

Quentyn Martell, attending his first Small Council meeting, was startled by this information. Before coming, his father had suggested the realm would likely argue over contributions, each region reluctant to commit forces. Doran had advised him to negotiate carefully. But hearing that supplies had already been gathered was alarming — this was not how wars were usually prepared.

Jon Arryn, aged and frail, squinted as he examined a stack of papers. Robert had already reviewed the documents, which detailed the training and strength of soldiers across the realm. After finishing, he passed them to Grand Maester Pycelle.

At that moment, the Kingsguard opened the doors. Stannis entered, followed by a young man with bright golden hair, carrying a large sheepskin scroll.

Stannis took his seat as Master of Ships and gestured to the young man. "This is Lord Monford Velaryon of Driftmark."

Monford bowed respectfully to the king and the gathered lords. "Your Grace, my lords, this sheepskin scroll contains a detailed map of the Stepstones, which I have brought as a gift to the crown."

Mace Tyrell quipped, "A map? We already have one."

Monford Velaryon handed the sheepskin scroll to Ser Barristan Selmy, who unrolled it across the table. Monford pointed at the map and explained, "This map of the Stepstones details ocean currents, island caves, hidden reefs, and dangerous undercurrents."

Mace Tyrell fell silent.

Jon Arryn straightened in his seat and exclaimed, "Is this real? If so, this is an incredible advantage for us!"

The others murmured their agreement. The Velaryon family, once staunch supporters of House Targaryen, had served as Masters of Ships for multiple generations during the Targaryen reign. Known for their expertise in maritime trade and their campaigns to subdue the Stepstones, the Velaryons, though diminished in influence, still commanded great respect. However, their loyalty to the previous dynasty meant that Robert's administration had largely sidelined them.

Robert laughed heartily. "An excellent gift, Lord Monford Velaryon. Will you be joining the expedition?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"I look forward to seeing you earn glory for the realm!"

"I shall serve unto death!"

Monford Velaryon, though always seeking a way to restore his house's prominence, had been hesitant to fully commit. Despite nominally supporting Stannis, the Velaryons had provided minimal assistance. Only after Viserys Targaryen's execution by Wright did Monford firmly pledge loyalty to the Baratheon cause.

Robert, evidently pleased with Monford's contribution, did not dismiss him, and Monford, in turn, chose not to leave the chamber. Instead, he moved to the observers' section and took a seat next to Tyrion Lannister.

At the table, the lords were engrossed in studying the map as Stannis pointed out key details, the room buzzing with discussion.

This gave Tyrion the opening he had been waiting for. Sitting among such high-born individuals, he leaned toward Monford to strike up a conversation.

"Lord Monford, your family head is known as the Lord of the Tides, isn't he?"

"A traditional title of House Velaryon, Master Tyrion," Monford replied, immediately recognizing the dwarf. Tyrion's stature and presence made him unmistakable, even without a title to his name.

"I envy those of you who aren't afflicted by seasickness," Tyrion remarked.

"You get used to it after a few tries. I didn't like sailing as a child either — didn't learn to swim until I was eight," Monford said softly but loud enough for the nearby observers to hear.

Tyrion turned to the others. "And what about you two?"

Garlan Tyrell, about the same age as Monford, quickly joined the conversation. "I go sailing near Oldtown every year. I'm also fond of fishing."

"So am I," Monford replied. "Perhaps we should compete sometime."

Robb Stark, still nervous from his first experience in such a formal setting, admitted hesitantly, "I can neither swim nor sail. And I do get seasick."

Tyrion smirked. "I've heard that many Northerners share that trait. The blood of the First Men, they say. But you're reputed to be a formidable warrior on land, and — if rumors are to be believed — a mage as well?"

Robb nodded in acknowledgment, though his discomfort was evident.

At that moment, Robert banged his hand on the table, calling the room to order. The chatter ceased as all turned their attention to the king.