004 -- voice;

[northerner]

It seems there are many from my world to be welcomed aboard after this past jump. If those of Westeros inclined to make their presence known, I would speak with all of you.

[ there's a pause. a direwolf's low whine can be heard, and robb exhales slowly. ]

And I'm sure it is already known, but the lady who called herself Aberdeen is no longer aboard.

[ and feed is cut. ]

Comments

[20mentholkools]

Only needs to be different to one man.

[All kings started somewhere.]

[northerner]

His ideas can be as different as he likes, so long as he keeps the peace.

[20mentholkools]

And when he doesn't?

[northerner]

[ a beat. ]

Then he faces the king's justice.

[20mentholkools]

Always comes down to might.

[northerner]

Then best to be a fair and just king with a large and loyal army, isn't it?

[ and robb just sounds exhausted at that idea. ruling would be a neverending war as well. he would never put down his sword. ]

[20mentholkools]

Only three things keep an army loyal. Faith, fear, or the next payday. Think you can manage those, King Robb?

[Because it doesn't sound like he can.]

[northerner]

I don't believe that. They swore an oath to my house, they bent the knee and called me king. That binds them all more surely than any other tie.

[20mentholkools]

Faith. Only lasts as long as the man lives up to it. Long, easy way to fall.

[northerner]

But I shan't fall.

[ robb sounds more weary than a boy of eighteen has any right to. ]

[20mentholkools]

Everything falls sometime.

[northerner]

Then I pray it is long after I have accomplished all that need be done.