If Robert and Ned Never Became Fostered in the Vale: A Rewriting of Westeros

The narrative of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is richly woven with the lives of prominent and influential characters, such as Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark. A key element in shaping their characters and the progression of the story is their fosterage in the Vale under House Arryn. But what if these two brothers had remained where they were born and raised? How might the course of events in Westeros have altered?

Robert's Decision at Storm's End

Robert Baratheon, unlike in the original storyline, does not remain indifferent towards Lyanna Stark. This is not due to a lack of care, but because he has yet to meet her or learn about her family. His decision to marry her would be heavily influenced by the actions of Jon Arryn and Rickard Stark. If Robert had declined this union out of uncertainty, his relationship might have taken a different path, potentially leading to a closer bond with Stannis Baratheon.

Morning the Rebellion

Stannis Baratheon, and their brotherly relationship, could very well become a central theme in this alternate narrative. If Robert bonds more deeply with Stannis, it could have significant repercussions throughout the realm. Instead of the stark enmity towards crown soldiers, Robert would be more hesitant to join the rebellion that ultimately led to the fall of King Aerys II Targaryen. This is primarily because Robert would not feel personally betrayed by Aerys, thus avoiding the 'anti-Targaryen boner' that fueled his earlier actions.

The rebellion as we know it would be far more localized. Rather than receiving letters with a declaration of impending death, Robert and Ned would have simply stayed loyal to the crown, or at worst, decided to remain neutral. This would have prevented many lords from defecting to Robert, as they perceived the king's arbitrary actions and the threat to their own sovereignty.

Prospects for Daenerys and Joffrey

In our alternate narrative, Ned Stark never plays the central role in Robert's life, and Robert's perception of his obligations to House Stark also changes. This would likely lead Robert to consider a union with Daenerys Targaryen for his eldest son, instead of plotting her murder. The resulting union of Joffrey and Daenerys would undoubtedly face numerous personal and political challenges, likely spiraling into a complex web of alliances and betrayals.

Changes in Robert's Court

Robert Baratheon never names his brother Ned or his nephew Jon as his Hand. Instead, he might name Stannis Baratheon the Hand from the outset. Stannis, while often perceived as austere and stern, might have handled the Targaryen issue with more leniency than Robert. His approach would be marked by a sense of justice rather than ruthless confrontation, as exemplified by Robert's more lenient stance towards the Targaryens.

Stannis's immediate transparency about Robert's bastards would also alter the dynamics of their relationship and the political landscape. The revelation would see Robert becoming increasingly irritated, leading to the early deaths of Cersei, Jaime, and their children. This would reconfigure the succession matters, with Robert likely appointing a female Stormlord to the throne, perhaps a daughter of Lord Tarth. This would bring a new era of relative peace and stability to the realms of Westeros.

In conclusion, if Robert and Ned had never been fostered, the political and personal landscape of A Song of Ice and Fire would have taken a markedly different turn, with consequences rippling through Westeros for generations to come.