Night King was dead and it was a cause for celebration in Winterfell. There was song and dance and sense of relief in the air. Night King was dead! Those words were slipping from many people's mouths and those who didn't say them surly repeated them in their minds several times. Dragon Queen ordered short meeting in the war room that Stark library became and ones she asked to come went there. Sansa was invited for some reason too. She had no idea why since she was not someone with battle experience. She stood by the window not really interested in what queen had to say. Soon Missandei and Gray Worm joined along with John Snow and Brianne and Jamie. Sir Davos also came with Hound and Tormund that were not happy to be away from their roast and wine. Varys was the last to come along with Queen and Tyrion. Queen stood in the center and addressed them all.
''I know you would rather be there at the feast, but I need you sober.''
Tyrion was about to say something but she cut him off.
''In your case conscious Lord Hand.''
He didn't try to speak again so she continued.
''We won this war now it's time to focus on the next one…and get me on that throne.''
Tyrion and Jamie looked at one another. They both knew what that meant. Sansa sneaked a glance at the little man and she could see the pain on his face he was trying to hide. It looks like she was the only one who saw that. Sir Jamie was facing her with his back so she had no idea how his face looked, but she was sure he was also pained by that fact.
''My queen, if you let me… Are you sure now is the time to go after that?''
''Why? You think it's not?''
Tyrion was sure it's not…for so many reasons…
''My queen…we finished one of the bloodiest battles hours ago… We are not ready for the new war.''
''It has to be done soon.''
''Soon, maybe…But not this moment.''
''You are still defending your sister!''
''No, I am not…''
''Lord Tyrion, I don't like to be lied to!''
Some of the people around the table were sure that he wanted to protect his sister, but one person knew what his words were really about. Sansa knew him too well and she knew that he was more concerned about the men queen wanted to take to war. He was not worried about his sister. She had a lot of men protecting her. More than they could imagine having.
Queen made comments about him being weak and knowing how bad person his sister was and how many people she hurt…including him… Sansa saw the pain on his face being reminded of what his sister did to him and how much she hated him. He tried to stop the queen and tell her what was really on his mind but she didn't listen. He tried to put it nicely to her, but she didn't listen. At one point he just lost it.
''We don't have man for that war! We just finished one huge battle and we have more dead men than alive… We have many wounded and every chance to raise the number of the dead… Who will fight if you send them to war again just days after this battle?''
''We can win…We have two dragons.''
''Yes, and at the beginning you had three…''
She just gave him a look. She didn't need him to undermine her.
''I am not saying they are not huge asset…But can two dragons kill Golden company?''
''Maybe someone else will be willing to join the battle?''
''Is maybe good enough for you to go into battle?''
''We don't have time to wait Lord Hand?''
''You want to lead these men into war with mercenaries…whose only job is to go to war… Please think about it.''
''Lord Hand, I made my decision… We march in three days.''
She was very determined to have that throne and she didn't see anything else.
''We will meet tomorrow to discuss the strategies.''
Queen was about to leave when Tyrion called for her. She turned and he started walking toward her and tripped a bit.
''I am sorry… The wine got the best of my balance…''
He took off his hand pin and gave it to the queen.
''I think you should have this back… You need a better hand… This one is too tired and sees the world and it's lost all the hope… Maybe you do have a good plan… But I can't be skeptical around you if you want to succeed.''
''You are making stupid and drunk decision…''
''I made some good decisions drunk… I just don't remember them now, but I know there must me something I did good being drunk.''
''If I take this pin back, there is no going back…''
''And that is the burden I have to live with Your Grace.''
She took the pin from him and gave it to the Worm. He was the hand she needed to make this work. He would not question her. They left the library and he was left alone. Finally silence. Now he had new problem, he had no job and no place to live. Voice from the back of the library got him out of his deep thoughts.
''You did some incredible things drunk…''
He turned to see Sansa emerging from the dark of the library.
''Lady Sansa.''
''Just Sansa…Tyrion…''
He looked at her and she gave him a small smile…
''You are not drunk at all..''
''No, my lady… I haven't touched my wine.''
''Why did you lie you were?''
He blushed a bit.
''If she knew I returned my pin sober, it would cause more trouble in the long run… Now she will be punishing me with looks and Worm parading with the pin around me. I wanted to leave her service for some time now. Even before we came here.''
Sansa had no idea his mind was already on it. She had a strange feeling that something happened to change his mind about the queen. Tyrion was not the man to easily abandon his post. Something huge happened for him to wish to end his post with the queen.
''Why?''
''I am tired Sansa… I am so tired.''
''Of what? Life?''
He smiled at her.
''Arguing with her… She became too power drunk and I am afraid she will make a mistake.''
''And you don't want to feel guilty when she does?''
''Yes, I don't want her to do it, but she will.''
They took a seat in front of the fire. Sansa looked at him.
''Tyrion, you can't save us all.''
''I couldn't save you.''
''You did… SO many times. You were only reason I was alive as long as I was there.''
''No, Sansa… You are the reason you survived… You are survivor…not just of what happened there but also what happened…after…to you.''
She grew serious…
''You know?''
''Just bits and pieces… What rumor mill offered.''
''I guess they were kind compared to what really happened.''
He took her hand and squeezed it. She looked at him a bit surprised.
''But you survived… You are still here Sansa Stark and you will keep being around because you have good heard on those shoulders.''
''And a long neck.''
He looked her for a moment and then he remembered what she was referencing.
''That was not my best moment.''
''I think it was one of your best moments Tyrion… That night made me respect you even more.''
''Why?''
''You could have had your way with me… You were in every right to do so… And yet… you were… You were crazy enough to put me over your family and demands your not so kind father made.''
'' Well, I was not going to force you. I saw the disgust and fear you felt and I was not going to be one more person on the list of those who did you wrong. I am many things and some rumors were actually true… but I am not a rapist Sansa…''
''I know… You really were best of them.''
''And who are they?''
''Men in my life… Joffrey, Bolton, Littlefinger.''
''You and Littlefinger?''
There was pang of jealousy in him and a hint of worry… What did she have with that horrible men?
''He wished…''
''Oh, I am sure that many men wished they had you Sansa.''
''Yes, many wanted to have me…But none wanted real me… Just the key to the North, or my body… Sometimes I wished I was ugly and unattractive… I think I would be happier…''
''I can't imagine you being anything else than who you really are.''
She got up and poured them some wine. She came back to the chairs and looked at him.
''If I didn't run away…and they didn't blame you for Joffrey's death… What do you think our lives would look like now?''
''Hmm… I don't know.''
''Yes, you do…Tell me Tyrion…''
''I always saw us living back at Casterly Rock… We would have good life and you would have schools opened for the children of the workers and sometimes you would teach there yourself. We would not visit Kings Landing often and I would take care of the estate and…''
''Drank your wine?''
''Only with my lady wife.''
She smiled at that.
''And children?''
''I saw us having four… Two boys and two girls… And they were happy… They were loved by their parents and they were appreciated for who they are. You were an excellent mother and I spoiled the girls rotten because they were my baby girls… I would have died of natural causes in my own bed surrounded by our children and you. And you would not be sad because you knew we had full and amazing life. Before my last breath I would tell you that you were the best companion a man could have and thanked you for all the things you did for me and our family and you would have given me one of your soft smiles and blushed…because no matter how many years have passed, you would still be very modest and that little girl I married and played cards with.''
''If we had children, we did more than just play cards…''
He smiled at her…
''Lady Sansa!''
"I am just pointing out that…''
''I know…''
There was moment of silence and she turned to him.
''Why do you think we would have been that happy?''
''Because we deserved…for all the fucked up things that happened to us… We deserved the happiness I saw us have.''
''I used to think it was possible, but I lost all the hope.''
''You are too young for that Sansa… You must.''
''Let's face it… No one wants me…''
''That can't be true…''
''They want North…not me.''
''Unfortunately , you are the North.''
''And I will be married off to someone just so I could keep it… A woman can't rule alone… That's why John is the warden… He has all the rights and I do all the work.''
''You don't wish to be married again?''
''Honestly, no…''
She looked at fire…
''But I must be…''
''Why?''
''Stark heir…''
''But your sister…''
''Arya? No, she would rather die than be married and rule the North…''
''Well, I saw her and the smith boy…''
Sansa smiled.
''She maybe…at some point might choose to marry him… But I doubt she would ever be Lady of Winterfell… It's too little sword fights and too much paperwork.''
''I am dying to hear about those few sword fights you had my lady…''
She laughed…
''It's a short story… I had none…''
''Well, you did get to use your knife in the battle.''
''I did, didn't I?''
''And I must admit, you were efficient.''
''Yes, I was.''
''With a proper training Lady Arya is in trouble.''
Sansa laughed loud…
''Well, you will never live to tell about it if she ever hears you call her Lady Arya.''
Arya heard Sansa and opened the door to see if her sister was well. She saw her and Tyrion sitting in front of the fire and laughing. She also heard her name too.
'' Allright… So, not calling her lady would prolong my existence?''
''Yes, if you ever have death wish… Just address her as lady Arya and you will be dead pretty soon…''
''I shall remember that… And what happens if I call her a lady wen I am drunk? Will she kill me then or my life would be forgiven?''
''I don't know…Depends of the mood she is in.''
''Well, if she keeps sneaking out to her…friend… She might even be in a a good mood that I could survive calling her lady even sober.''
''You think he is that good?''
''Lady Sansa, we are not talking about intimate life of your sister…''
''Since when are you such a conservative?''
''I am not a conservative… I am just smart enough to know not to mess with someone who knows million ways to kill me and for me not to enjoy it.''
That comment made Arya smile a little. She was growing to like little man.
'' You are her sister, you may get away with it… But I… She would kill me in a moment… Am I on her list too?''
''I don't think so… You never did anything to end up on it.''
''I don't know if I should be glad or should feel somehow… sad.''
''Why?''
''Am I not Lannister enough for her to want to kill me?''
''No, you just were only Lannister that was good to me so she cut you some slack…''
''Better slack than head.''
''I agree…''
Arya sneaked into the library and choose to listen in to their conversation. She was curious about their dynamic. Sansa was never so relaxed with any of them. She wanted to know why she was like that with him?
''You are not Hand anymore… What happens now?''
''Honestly… I have no idea… I have to figure out where to go and what to do?''
''What of your estate?''
''After my trail, I was stripped of it and my sister gave it to some relative. So, I am a homeless dwarf now… Not a Lannister lord, not a Hand…''
He looked at Sansa and smiled.
''I am no one… Maybe I should ask for instructions from your sister how to be it.''
''I don't think you are same no one.''
''Ah, the cruelty of life…And I finally believed I had something to bond over with your sister. You wound me Lady Sansa of Winterfell…''
''I am sorry Lord Tyrion of Thin Air…''
They both laughed. She grew serious and took his hand.
''You know that you will never be no one to me… You can stay here for as long as you like.''
''Thank you Sansa…''
She knelt beside him holding his hand. With her other hand she moved hair out of his eyes and smiled at him. Arya was shocked by her sister's action. She never saw Sansa so gentle to someone.
''You are not her hand… So, would you consider being my husband again?''
His and Arya's eyes went wide when she said it.
''Sansa….''
''No, listen to me…''
He just nodded and she kept talking.
''All those years ago… You saved me Tyrion… You gave me at least some safety and feeling that I am worth it and good. I was a scared child and you took care of me. And I will be forever in debt to you.''
He wanted to protest but she didn't let him.
''I can't promise I will respond as a woman right away… I need time before I let you share my bed as a lover. But the bond and friendship are already there… I know I must marry again…And I am sure that John and your queen are picking my husband as we speak… But I need you to save me again my lord… I don't want to be married to anyone but you.''
''Sansa, I stand by what I said when we first married. I will not share your bed until you want me to… And I am fine with you never wanting to…''
''No, I will share your bed Tyrion… Just give me time.''
''Are you sure Sansa?''
''Yes, I am …''
He kissed her hand again.
''Why me?''
''Because you respect me and would never do anything to hurt me… I thrust you Tyrion…and that matters more than you think.''
He smiled at her and kissed her hand.
''My lady Stark… I will be honored to be your husband again…and this time until the day I die.''
She choose to tease him reminding him of what he told her about his vision of their lives.
''Surrounded by our children and grandchildren?''
''Yes, my lady… But most importantly, in the arms of my wife.''
''Why do you think so highly of me?''
''Because you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.''
''You think so highly of me Tyrion… I am just…''
He put his finger over her lips.
''Sansa Stark, you listen to me… You were never, never in your life just… you were always everything in my eyes…''
''We should talk to John…''
''I guess we have to ask him now… I have to ask for your hand Lady Sansa.''
She got up from the floor and offered him her arm.
''Let's ask him now?''
''Now my lady? But they are all drunk…''
''I think now is the right time. He will hardly say no when he is drunk and still so happy about the battle.''
''Oh, you are a wicked one…''
They got out of the library and Arya got out of her hiding place. She was very surprised by the conversation she heard. She was not surprised that Lord Tyrion loved her sister. She was surprised that she wanted him. They got to the main hall and everyone was drinking and being happy. John was a bit drunk too. Queen was nowhere to be seen and that was the good sign to Sansa and Tyrion. They came to him and asked him to have a word.
''We can have a word! BUT no serious talk and sad talk.''
''Well, good thing is that we want to talk something happy.''
''And what is that?''
''Wedding…''
''Wedding?''
''Your sister and I wish to remarry.''
John looked at two of them in surprise.
''Sansa?''
''Yes?''
''You wish to marry Lord Tyrion? You wish to marry him AGAIN?''
''Yes, we are still married in the eyes of the seven… Now we wish to be married in the eyes of the Old gods… Can you marry us since you are the warden of the North and head of the family….''
''I've always seen you as the head Sansa.''
''I can't marry myself.''
''That sounds reasonable…''
They were glad he was somewhat sold on the idea…
''And when do you wish to do it?''
''Now!''
Tyrion was surprised by the rush, but didn't say anything…
''Let's go to the weirwood heart tree and to this now…''
''Let's go!''
She turned to Tyrion…
''Go there and give me a minute…''
''Is everything ok?''
''Yes, I just want to freshen up a bit.''
''As you wish… I will be there…''
She smiled at him and he went with John and the rest of the marry company. Some of the men outside heard that there is a wedding going to happen, so they also went to the tree… Tyrion found it a bit morbid that they will be married in blood of the man who have fallen there protecting Bran and bits of Night King, but he was not going to protest. She wanted it now, and he will not be the one to stand in a way of Sansa's wishes. Sansa got into her room and opened her chest with clothes. All she had now was black… But there was just one dress that was not and she feared to put it on again… Her first wedding dress and a cape that Tyrion gave her. She got them out of the chest and put on the dress. It was cold outside but she put on her furs over the dress and brought the cape and a small box with her. Arya was in front of her room waiting for her.
''Going somewhere?''
''Yes, I am getting married.''
She just smirked at Sansa…
''An ice lady has fallen.''
''What?''
''You like the dwarf.''
''How do you know I am marrying Tyrion?''
Arya just gave her a look.
''Any other man would be deeply insulted for you to even consider marrying him in Lannister colors and cape…''
''I guess you are right…''
''Are you sure?''
''Yes, I am.''
''Good, let's get you married.''
''You will not try to talk me out of it?''
''You want me to try?''
''No.''
''Then I will not… I thrust you Sansa… and I believe that he really cares about you… The real you… ''
She looked at her sister a bit surprised.
''I've been watching you… Yes, many men notice you and want you… They have been waiting to make an offer to John… North looks very nice to them… But Tyrion wants you… He wants Sansa, not Lady of Winterfell or even Winterfell. He would marry you again even if you were both broke and had nothing but one another.''
''You think so?''
''I know so…''
Arya noticed her sister's uncovered arms and took her in to her room. She opened her bag of things and found something she wore under some of her clothes. It was white and had long sleeves. It went behind back, so her front was still looking the same and her arms were not going to be cold.
''Let's go…''
They got into the gardens and Sansa took off her furs. Tyrion stood in complete shock… She was in the same dress he married her in years ago… Then he saw her sister behind her with golden ribbons and cape her gave her when they were first married. She was older and her hair was different but at moments he felt she was that frightened girl he married all those years ago. She stood in front of him and got down on her knees so he could put the cape over her. She got up and put on her furs back over it. That was the way to honor the seven who saw them marry already once… Now it was time to marry in the eyes of the Old gods. Arya gave her ribbons and John tied them with them and said word and prayer for the wedding. After all the prayers and rituals, Tyrion and Sansa were married again. It was time to kiss the bride. He looked at her and she nodded getting on her knees again. It was just a gentle peck on the lips but to two of them it was huge. John suggested that they all go back to the castle to celebrate the nuptials and crowd returned to their wine and food, all but bride and groom. Tyrion and Sansa still stood in the garden under the tree.
''I had no idea you still had it.''
''I had it all…and I even have this.''
She the box up from her feet and opened it. He was surprised to see his mother's ring she was given as a wedding ring.
''Would you like to…?''
He nodded and took the ring from the box. He placed it back on her finger and kissed her hand.
''So, should we go back to the feast?''
''No, I think we should retire…''
He stopped in his tracks and just looked at her.
''Sansa.''
''I stand behind what I said… But first step could at least be trying to sleep in the same bed.''
''You want me to sleep beside you?''
''Yes, Tyrion… I find it depressing to go to bed alone… I can't be intimate with you yet…but we can share the bed… I want to talk to you… And I think it's the step into that direction that might take us to the intimacy.''
''As you wish…''
She smiled at him.
''We deserve a redo of the wedding night…''
''I am sober.''
''I am not that naïve and selfish…''
''Well, I guess that is a step into new direction.''
Tyrion went to his chamber to get his change and something to sleep in and Sansa went to her room to mentally prepare for someone sleeping beside her.
Tyrion came back few minutes later and found her sitting at the vanity brushing her hair. She was in her nightgown and robe. Her wild hair was cascading over her shoulders and she brushed out the remains of the battle and wedding out of it. Her wedding dress was back in the chest along with ribbons and cape. He put his change on the chair and stood by it in his nightshirt and robe.
''What is your side of the bed?''
''Well, I would prefer if you would sleep by the wall… That side would make me feel a bit trapped.''
He just nodded and got into the bed and to the side his new/ old wife picked for him.
''I am in…''
She blew all the candles but the one that was on her bedside. She got under the covers and turned to Tyrion.
''I have to apologize upfront.''
''Why?''
''I have nightmares… I might wake you up…''
''It's ok… I have them too.''
''We really are a pair.''
''I guess we are my lady.''
She blew the candle and made herself comfortable. Now, only light in the room came from the fireplace and they could see that both of them are awake and feeling a bit weird.
''Well, this is the upgrade from the previous wedding night… I am sober and actually in bed with my wife…''
Sansa laughed at that comment and then grew serious.
''Are you angry that we are not…?''
''No! God no!''
''Really?''
''Yes, really… I told you… I want you to take your time…I think that we need some time to get used to one another and we will be just fine. This is a beguiling…''
They spent few more minutes facing each other in silence and then they drifted to sleep. And after longest time, Sansa felt safe again.
Next morning queen went to the main hall and realized that many men didn't even retire to sleep, but have fallen asleep at the table. One of them was John. He was sleeping on the two chairs. She woke him up and he started complaining about being hungover and having a weird dream. Queen was not interested in dream stories. She wanted her war consult and John tried to explain to her that no one would be in shape today to say or do anything normal. She was not happy about it, but she understood that people needed to blow off the steam and also morn their fallen friends. She sent John to his room to freshen up and continued tour of the castle looking for someone she could speak to who doesn't reek of alcohol. She got out and watched the yard. Lady Sansa was already up with some of the men talking about damage on the castle and how it could be fixed. Arya and Gendry were with her and she was giving him instructions what he needed to make in order to fix the door and some other things in the castle. She was walking around with a list and agenda. Next thing she heard Lady Sansa do was organize bonds to burn the dead. She told some of the men to make few piles and where to place them to protect them from the wind, so the wind wouldn't put them off. After they left her Arya came to her and she whispered something to Sansa that made her blush a bit. Queen had no idea what were sisters talking about and she felt a bit jealous. She wanted to have someone like Arya Stark in her corner. She got in to the castle and kept looking for Tyrion. She couldn't find him anywhere and even none of the service saw him. Lady Sansa came back into the castle and went straight to her room. When she opened the door, she found her husband sitting by the fireplace covered with some fur reading a book.
''Here is my lady wife… I was surprised when I woke up alone.''
''I am sorry. I had so much to do for…''
''Sansa, I know… The castle needs repairs…there is so much to be fixed and done… And you are Lady of this place… You have to be part of it.''
She took off her furs and took a seat across from Tyrion.
''And how are you this morning?''
''Strangely happy.''
''Why?''
''I think retirement suits me.''
''Yes, it does.''
''I feel like I have no care in this world.''
''I understand…but it's not true… You still think of it.''
''I do…''
Sansa dreaded to say this and ask her questions.
''Tyrion, what will happen when the war ends?''
''Well, someone will be on that throne…''
''I am not asking that…''
He just looked at her. He knew.
''I don't know… I am trying not to think of that.''
''I am sorry.''
''Why? She was bad to you…''
''But she is your sister and you matter to me… And she was big part of my life too…''
''I will make it… I just hope that in the process of losing my sister I don't stay the only child left alive.''
Jamie… She knew what Tyrion was talking about.
''I think he will make it. He and Brienne…''
''I know! I saw it too…''
''Whatever happens, I am here…''
He took her hand and squeezed it.
''Thank you Sansa.''
They spent the rest of the day in their chambers chatting, reading their books. They had lunch together in their room and then Sansa took him to the library. To their surprise, it was not occupied. She got entire box of letters and books and she put it on the table.
''Tyrion, now you are my husband and Lord of this estate. It's time for you to get to know it better and get to know our situation before the war and assess with me what is the situation now.
''My Lady, let's see what the books are telling us…''
They spent few hours with the books and bills and Tyrion being the coin master in the King's Landing was helpful now. He found the way for Sansa to save the money and help people live better lives on the estate. He made notes to himself to learn about the nature around this place and learn wat grows here and what things they could grow to help provide food and all that is needed for a normal life. He suggested Sansa to give him few days before he gets out with the plan to her. She was fine with it and very grateful that he wanted to deal with this. They were interrupted by the queen and her entourage when they entered the library.
''Lord Tyrion, there you are… I spent entire day looking for you.''
''Ah, I am sorry your grace… I was in hiding enjoying my retirement.''
''So, you stand by not being my Hand anymore?''
''I am afraid I do… But I believe you picked your new Hand wisely and I have nothing o worry about.''
''You don't look retired… You are sitting with Lady Sansa and going through the affairs of Winterfell. It would be wiser for you to search where will you live my lord after we leave for Kings' Landing. ''
''Well, Lady Sansa was kind enough to offer me to stay and I accepted the offer.''
Missandei just looked at them. She noticed the shift between them since the crypts and now she wanted to know if Lady Sansa was the cause for her queen to be left by her Hand. Speaking of hands, she noticed the ring on Sansa's finger and she now had her answer. Lord Tyrion picked the Stark girl over his queen. Queen asked Sansa if she saw any of her war team and she responded that she has no idea where any of them are. She was going to point that treason to her queen. She noticed that the queen had no idea what happened behind her back.
''Lady Lannister, do you think that in your woods we could find these plants from the book?''
After hearing Lady Lannister being said, queen narrowed her eyes at the couple and she didn't looked happy.
''What is this all about?''
''We got married again last night.''
''I didn't' approve this marriage…It's not valid.''
''But John did…So it sort of does make it valid… In the eyes of the seven we've been married for almost five years… And now John married us in the eyes of the old Gods.''
Quenn just looked at him disappointed.
''At least now I know why you left the service.''
And with those words she lef, with Missandrey following her out of the room.