The night air grew cooler, and the ships sailed on through the moonlit sea. William, having spent hours lost in his thoughts, found himself on the deck, gazing at the shimmering waves beneath the ethereal glow of the moon.
Storm's End awaited, and with it, the unforeseen challenges that had disrupted the peace of his family.
Lost in contemplation, William heard footsteps approaching. It was Ser Harwin Strong. He has met him in multiple occasions, and they became friends quickly.
Though, This Harwin was different from the Harwin in the series. He is married to a young lady he had fallen in love with instead of Rhaenyra.
To tell you the truth, William was relieved that Harwin didn't like Rhaenyra in this timeline. Since, if he did, he would have to get rid of him.
And finding trustworthy allies, is hard.
"Ser William," Harwin spoke with a respectful nod. "What lies ahead may be unpredictable, but rest assured, we stand by your side. Storm's End or whatever storm may come, you won't face it alone."
William acknowledged the words with gratitude, his gaze lingering on the distant horizon. "I appreciate your loyalty, Harwin. We sail together then."
As the night deepened, the ships sailed on, guided by the stars.
....
The sun rose, and eventually, the silhouette of Storm's End emerged on the horizon. The ancient castle stood proudly against the backdrop of the coastal cliffs.
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky as William disembarked from the ship onto the solid ground of Storm's End. The air carried a salty tang, a reminder of the powerful sea that surrounded the ancient fortress.
The silhouette of Storm's End loomed before him, an imposing structure etched against the fading daylight. Its massive curtain walls rose defiantly against the backdrop of the coastal cliffs, weathered by centuries of history. The waves crashed against the rocks below, creating a rhythmic soundtrack that echoed the resilience of the castle.
The harbor, surrounded by weathered stone structures and creaking ships, welcomed William back to familiar terrain.
William, who was dressed Baratheon sigiled clothes, with his cloak billowing in the sea breeze, walked towards the castle gates. The sturdy stone walls seemed to absorb the stories of battles fought and victories won, bearing witness to the unyielding strength of House Baratheon.
As he passed through the towering gates, the atmosphere changed. The courtyard, enclosed by thick walls, echoed with the distant sounds of soldiers in training and the occasional squawk of ravens. The castle, though formidable, carried an air of familiarity for William, who had spent time within its walls on numerous occasions.
Torchlight flickered against the cold stone walls, casting elongated shadows that danced with every step.
Finally, William reached the heart of Storm's End, where the Lord's chambers awaited. The doors creaked open, revealing a room adorned with tapestries depicting the Baratheon sigil and history.
Home sweet home.