Note: I am not dealing with the news about Jon's true parents in this fanfic. I don't know how it will play out, and I worried it would complicate this story. So – for purposes of this story – we simply know that Jon and Dany are in love and plan to marry. Also, after the episode last night (Season 8, episode 3), I'm even happier about this work.

The days went by in a bit of blur. With the plans for what was destined to be a life or death battle, to a wedding, to proper provisions, there was so much to be done and barely enough bodies to do it.

Sansa and Tyrion were both tied up from sunup to sundown with their roles in the planning, but they were still managing to check in with each other and share an occasional meal.

It was really quite remarkable how easily they had fallen back into a solid friendship. They weren't even sure they were really friends before – not to mention they hadn't seen each other for years – but somehow the time, the distance, and everything that had happened in between had brought them to a place where they both genuinely cared about each other. They had been through a lot while they were together and so much separately that turned out to be shared experiences.

They were both still coming to terms with the feelings that had quickly bubbled up since their reunion. Both had thought there was no chance they would ever see each other again; yet, here they were, closer than ever in proximity and personally.

Sansa had not quite been able to wrap her head around her feelings until Brienne, who had become a close confidant and advisor, called her out on it one day.

Sansa was busy writing letter after letter to neighboring houses asking for their support, specifically with any food they could spare, to help feed the now vast number of bodies stationed in Winterfell. Brienne was standing guard at the door, mostly just keeping her company.

Sansa sighed setting down the quill.

"I need a break," she said out loud rubbing her wrist that was sore from writing. Brienne looked back and smiled at her. She had grown so fond of Sansa and admired her strength. She couldn't help but notice she had seemed happier, more light-hearted lately – not traits that had been typical so far in their time together. Brienne had easier deduced the cause to be Tyrion Lannister – a bit of a surprise but not totally shocking as she knew from both Jamie and Pod that Tyrion had treated her with nothing but kindness.

"Come sit with me," Sansa said as she moved from the desk she was sitting at to a table that had some wine and bread on it. Brienne joined her and graciously accepted some food and drink.

Sansa hummed as she spread some butter onto her bread, another unusual and welcome sound from the typically solemn young woman. Brienne stared at her smiling. "What?" Sansa asked catching her eyes.

"It's nice to hear you happy, my lady," Brienne responded.

"Happy?" Sansa replied a bit stunned. She had not been described as "happy" in quite some time, but yet it was an appropriate description. "I suppose I feel settled here finally, despite all the worrying and planning about the war."

Brienne nodded. Sansa had somewhat opened the floor for conversation, so she pushed her luck. If Sansa didn't want to discuss it, she wouldn't push.

"You seem to be enjoying spending time with Lord Tyrion again," Brienne noted trying to sound nonchalant as not to spook her while she buttered her own bread.

Sansa's face froze for a second, and Brienne worried she had offended her, but then she relaxed. She had been itching to speak with someone about Lord Tyrion, but girl talk was not exactly at the ready at Winterfell. Arya had zero interest in such things, and she still barely knew the queen. She trusted Brienne, and she knew she would never betray her. She decided right then that she was as good a person as any to confide in.

"You know, it's funny," Sansa started slowly, and Brienne was delighted when she sensed she was opening up. "I hadn't given much thought to seeing him again, mostly because I never thought I would. And then even when I knew I would, I didn't know how it would feel. But when I did, it was like all those years melted away." Brienne had witnessed Sansa gathering Tyrion in an embrace upon their arrival, so she knew what she meant. She could tell that Sansa had surprised herself.

"I was so young and stupid when I was married to him," Sansa continued. "I was just trying to survive, and I never took the time to get to know him. He was always so kind to me, and I'm ashamed of that. Now, I feel like I can get to know him, but I don't know where to start."

Brienne just listened as Sansa spoke. Sansa didn't even know what she was saying as she said it – but it felt good to vocalize what she was thinking. It was the truth.

Brienne waited for Sansa to pause, and when she was pretty sure she was done for the moment, she decided to offer some advice.

"My lady, at the risk of overstepping, might I say something?" Brienne asked.

"Of course," Sansa replied.

"I suspect Lord Tyrion feels much the same way as you do right now. When Pod and I saw him during the meeting in Kings Landing, the first thing he asked me about when we met was about your welfare. And, I've seen the way he looks at you. He cares deeply for you, Lady Sansa. My suspicion is he would welcome a chance to hear what you just shared with me."

Brienne often told herself the same advice about Renly and Jamie – so many things left unsaid – and she wanted to help Sansa any way she could.

"Now hardly seems like the time," Sansa said.

"If not now, when?" Brienne responded. "Who knows how long any of have left?"

Sansa thanked Brienne for her counsel and went back to writing her letters. Brienne knew the conversation was over, but she hoped Sansa would consider her advice.

Stay tuned for Chapter 3 - A Risk Worth Taking