Negotiations Begin

It had rained over the course of the night, a light fog settling over the ocean in the distance. The wind was cool, many wrapped in thick cloaks to help protect them. Yet the sun was in the sky, shining brightly down upon them, reflecting off the bits of water that had settled upon the grass creating quite the beautiful scenery for them all to enjoy.

Or would have, if it wasn't for the tense situation in which the three sides found themselves within.

To the northernmost position, was Robb Stark. To the east, Daenerys Targaryen. And to the south, Aegon. Each looking upon one another, gauging each other's positions and those that had accompanied them. Trying to see who was in a position of strength and who was in weakness. They had done so yesterday, but not much time had been provided before all three sides retired.

Yet as Robb looked upon the group that had accompanied Aegon, he did not know what to think. The two men at his side were unknowns to him, though Brynden had recognised one, the man on Aegon's right to be Jon Connington. Former Lord of House Connington of Griffins Roost and a man who had served temporarily as Hand of the King to Aerys Targaryen during Robert's Rebellion.

As for Aegon himself, he certainly looked like a Targaryen. His skin was slightly darker in colour than Daenerys pale skin, but still very pale and white. Hair was silvery in colour, though once again, darker than Daenerys own. But his eyes were a deeper violet in colour, much more mesmerising to look upon.

All in all, he certainly possessed Valyrian features, there was no denying that.

But the man upon his left was a fat man with a forked yellow beard that gleamed like gold. He possessed crooked teeth and even from the distance separated, Robb could smell the heavy perfumes that he must have doused himself in. A strange man, but one he doubted would be there if he wasn't useful to the King.

Robb and his entourage had no idea who he was, but Daenerys had recognised him. She being surprised and even perhaps saddened to see him on the side of Aegon. A curious thing and something Robb took note of. He had not been able to tell what she thought of Aegon, whether she believed he was her nephew or not. But he hoped that her relationship with the man didn't influence her to join Aegon. That was the last thing he needed because facing off against both of them was not what he wanted.

Certainly he had plans, but that could only go so far and if the Targaryens allied, he was more than likely going to have people switch sides. He needed to be careful and make sure that neither Targaryen's allied with one another.

But behind him were an odd bunch, there was of course a man Garlan recognised instantly, Prince Oberon Martell, the Red Viper. The man responsible for effectively crippling Willas Tyrell during a duel. There was a woman by his side with a mannish figure and holding a spear firmly in one hand, someone Garlan said was more than likely one of the Red Vipers daughters. Around them was a mix of Golden Company and Dornish soldiers.

"Here we are at last," Aegon murmured. "We, three rulers are finally gathered."

Robb remained quiet, arms crossed over his chest and face set in stone. It would not do to let anything show, to let his enemies gain an understanding of what he was thinking or planning. At this point in time, it would be best to remain quiet, let Daenerys and Aegon speak and say their piece before he did anything.

He already knew what Daenerys wanted, but Aegon remained a mystery. By the fact that he was also directing most of his attention towards Daenerys, Robb also knew that Aegon came here for her. Watching and studying their conversation would allow him the chance to understand where Daenerys stood. Was she convinced and willing to join Aegon? Or was she unconvinced?

Those things would determine the future.

"Yes, we are," Daenerys replied, her face equally calm and collected, though much more than his own. Whether that was simply because she didn't want to alienate anyone or because she was open to negotiation with Aegon, Robb didn't know. "Though we had expected you earlier."

Aegon didn't stop smiling. "Yes, well as you know one amongst us doesn't seem to understand the meaning of a truce." Here many looked towards Robb who said nothing, only a rise of his brow being his response. "No words? I would personally like to hear your reasoning for marching your army south towards Kings Landing despite this meeting we have. I have to admire your willingness to do that, and then still turn up here like you've done nothing wrong."

"Do not demand for things like a petulant child, boy." Robb's words were scathing and dismissive. It was a surprise to many, even members of Robb's entourage looked shocked. Daenerys and her own advisors were equally as surprised, his words completely different than they had been the day prior.

The reaction amongst Aegon's camp was equally as varied, a mixture of outrage, shock and curiosity. Aegon himself grit his teeth, the smirk slipping away into a scowl at being called a boy by someone younger than himself.

Yet he took a moment to collect himself. "I am not demanding; I am only curious as to why you have marched your army south. Was negotiation even on your mind? Have you come to kill us all yourself as we leave these negotiations?" He questioned.

"None of those petty reasons you described," Robb replied. "I am at war with the Baratheons, the Lannisters, the Greyjoy's and the Bolton's. The Lannisters and the Westerlands have been defeated. Kevan Lannister is dead. Tywin and Jamie reside within my dungeons awaiting a trial. Stannis is up north along with the Greyjoy's and Bolton's. However, Cersei and Joffrey reside within Kings Landing."

"And yet, I also reside there." Aegon pointed out.

"I know." Robb's words were short and sharp. "You have thirty thousand men and your intentions are unknown. My army led by Randyll Tarly are simply marching south to take Cersei and Joffrey from your dungeons. Hand them over to me and we shall leave you be."

No one was convinced that those were Robb's only intentions. Yet none called him out on it because what proof did they have that those weren't his only intentions. Without proof, they would look like the fools and that would not do well for them.

"And if we were to hand over Cersei and Joffrey as you ask, would you remove your army?" Jon Connington asked.

"You're not my enemies, are you?" A question with a question and one that left many struggling to answer.

"No, we are not," Jon answered.

"Then you have no need to worry." It was not the answer many expected, nor did many want. "Once I have collected Cersei and Joffrey, I shall march back into my lands and be done with war."

There was a pause, especially from Aegon's camp they taking a moment to realise what Robb meant by his words. When they did, they were not pleased if their frowns were anything to go by. Why would they be? Robb possessed nearly all of Westeros in his hands not to mention the wealthiest and most powerful kingdoms as well. His words alone said nothing of handing them over and that was not something they liked.

"And what will become of your kingdom and those sworn to you?" The man to Aegon's left asked.

"They have all sworn fealty to me." Further proof that only deepened their frowns.

Breaking this trend was Ser Barristan. "And what will you do about the Iron Islands, the Stormlands and Dorne? And what of those lords in the Crownlands that have not bent the knee to you?"

"They are yours," Robb answered. "Share them between you if you wish."

That earned a reaction from both Daenerys and Aegon, the latter being especially rowdy as he shot to his feet. "That is preposterous! You would keep the entirety of the realm to yourself! You have no right! I am the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell! I am the rightful ruler of Westeros!"

"And yet, the lords have declared for Robb Stark." It was Brynden Blackfish who spoke up, Garlan frowning as he recognised what Robb had decided. Something Brynden had also recognised and was actively aiding to gain. "Not you, boy."

"Boy." Aegon spat out in outrage, glaring upon the Blackfish.

"Please, King Aegon, calm yourself," Daenerys spoke up, attempting to bring some order to this meeting and get things back on track. She certainly wasn't pleased with Robb's words like Aegon, but she wasn't about to derail this entire meeting completely. If things continued down this route, the war would be the only answer and that would only mean more damage to Westeros. That was not why she had come here.

Jon also reacted, placing a calming hand upon Aegon's arm, staying his hand should he attempt to unsheathe his blade. Slowly, the grip upon the handle of his blade abated but this shoulders still remained tense and his glare was murderous.

"King Robb, do you truly intend to give nothing in the pursuit of peace?" Daenerys asked, following the advice of her advisors. "I'm very much aware of the loyalty and gratefulness you hold for the lords who have sworn fealty to you and fought fiercely by your side. However, as you can imagine, it does not help us in any fashion."

'Looks like my plan to study their interactions has been abandoned already.' Robb bemoaned internally, finding himself the main centre of attention.

Robb then looked towards Garlan who nodded his head. "As his grace said, the Iron Islands, Dorne, the Stormlands are yours to do with as you wish. However, the North, Riverlands, Vale, Westerlands and the Reach are non-negotiable." Garlan described the situation for them.

"And the Crownlands?" Jon Connington asked curiously.

"We are willing to let those lords who have sworn fealty to us to choose their own ruler. Should they choose to remain with us is up to them. But amongst them, there are many Targaryen loyalists so if they chose one of you to be their ruler then we shall allow them to go freely and without consequence."

Aegon scoffed. "Is that it?"

"No." Garlan shook his head. "We have no interest in further war or the expansion of our borders. We are content with our position and so we would make favourable trade agreements and even defensive alliances with you both. A non-aggression pact that will allow you to freely expand your own holdings elsewhere with fear of us attacking you. There is the entirety of Essos to conquer."

All things considered; it wasn't a bad offer.

Was it what they wanted? No, they had come expecting to conquer all of Westeros and yet found themselves denied that. But what they were offering them was the chance to expand in other ways, even rebuild the Valyrian Freehold. A tantalising offer, but one that neither Targaryen had expected or wanted.