Game of Thrones: To Win a Stone Heart
Chapter 9 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Chapter 9
Sansa smiled as she rode; Pod rode next to her, also smiling. They were as close as they could be, without their horses colliding. Since revealing their feelings to each other; things had changed slightly; they were happier than ever. Watching them, Jaime and Brienne couldn't help but smile, seeing the two young people in love. It was then Sansa gasped and spoke.
"Look, there it is, Winterfell."
They all looked up and smiled; despite being burned by the Bolton's the castle had recovered well. In fact, it appeared to be grander than ever.
Brienne smiled. "Well my Lady, we are here at last. Let's go reunite you with your family."
Sansa nodded enthusiastically and they rode on, approaching Winterfell. As they entered the courtyard Sansa's heart lifted; she was finally home. Podrick noticed the change in her and couldn't help but smile.
'She looks so radiant; being home has made her even more beautiful.' He thought happily. 'This is where she belongs; with her family.'
They dismounted and Sansa looked around; smiling widely, everything was even better than she remembered. There were still some places that showed damage and were being repaired; but people were already working on them. She looked over at the deserted archery range and then around the rest of the castle, before her gaze settled on the training yard. Her eyes widened and she froze at what she saw.
There were two people in the training yard; sparring. One was a tall, muscular young man with shaggy black hair and blue eyes. The other was a young woman, one Sansa recognized, even with her brown hair only reaching her shoulders. She was fighting with the young man, armed with a rather thin bladed sword. Sansa immediately rushed forwards; stopping at the edge of the training yard. She watched as the young man attempted a strike with his sword, the girl fluidly dodged and brought the tip of her blade up to his neck. She could see the smirk on the man's face as the girl spoke.
"Dead." She remarked; her tone suggested she was smirking too.
Sansa couldn't take it anymore, she called out. "Arya!"
The girl spun around; grey eyes wide with disbelief. The man looked up, also seeing her. Almost instantly after their gaze locked, the girl ran to her.
"Sansa, is that…It is you!" She cried.
Sansa couldn't help but smile as her sister reached her. Before she could say anything the younger girl threw her arms around her. Sansa smiled and returned the embrace. When they parted Arya was grinning, although there were certainly tears in her eyes she was trying to hide. Sansa tactfully choose not to mention them. It was then Sansa was aware of the young man, standing just behind Arya; she was also aware of Pod, Jaime and Brienne behind her.
In response to Arya's questioning gaze, Sansa introduced her companions. Jaime Lannister's name certainly got a reaction.
"Wait a minute." Arya remarked, glaring at Jaime. "He helped you…Why?"
Jaime shrugged and replied. "Sometimes, people change, often for the better…especially when they lose something precious."
It was then Arya noticed his missing hand and grimaced. "I…I see; well, I guess it's my turn, to make introductions."
Sansa nodded as she observed the young man with Arya. She had noticed the way his gaze seemed to rarely leave her, the look on his face. Sure enough, Arya confirmed her suspicions.
"This is Gendry; my husband." Arya announced, a surprising warmth in her voice as she said it.
Sansa smiled and nodded; greeting him. She listened as Arya explained about Gendry. She noted that, as usual, Arya had to go against what was proper; her husband was a bastard. Yet he was also a knight, and quite clearly cared for Arya deeply.
'What's more, he loves her for who she is, not who he wants her to be.' She noted. 'Well, he's certainly worthy of her, in so many ways.'
Their talk was interrupted by the arrival of Rickon; who nearly knocked Sansa off her feet when he embraced her. Sansa was amazed at how much he had grown.
'He's going to be as tall as Father was someday, perhaps taller.'
It was then agreed for them to go together and announce Sansa's return to Bran. As they walked however, Arya spoke quietly to Sansa.
"I saw the look on your face when you introduced Podrick to us." She remarked. "You love him, don't you?"
Sansa blushed and nodded; that was all Arya needed to know. She nodded, smiling and they continued inside.
Sansa was surprised when she saw her brother Bran. He was seated upon the great throne like chair at the head of the room. His crown was tilted back slightly; his torso and arms were more muscular now; in stark contrast to his withered crippled legs. Yet he still retained that same air of kindness and charm he had when Sansa last saw him. He wasn't alone either; seated by his side was a young woman, older than him, perhaps even older than Sansa. She had curly light brown hair and green eyes, she was noticeably short and slender. These traits, Sansa remembered, were usually seen in the Crannogs who lived in the swamps of the Neck. Their lord, Howland Reed had been a close friend of her father. With all this in mind, and remembering the rumours she had heard, she guessed this young woman was Meera Reed; Howland's daughter and eldest child.
Sansa quickly corrected herself however. 'Her name is Meera Stark now. She is Bran's wife, his Queen. I must admit, a Crannog isn't the first person I'd picture Bran marrying. But they look so happy together.'
Bran looked up and saw them approaching, he saw her and gasped; his eyes going wide. Meera looked up too, also surprised. Arya smirked and announced.
"No Bran, you aren't imagining it; Sansa's back."
Bran laughed and smiled widely.
Sansa could hardly believe it was real. Some time had passed; she had explained to Bran about everything that had happened. He had spoken to Pod, and Brienne and Jaime. He had thanked them for saving her, even offering a reward; but they wouldn't accept any. In truth, all they wanted was to continue to aid him, so Brienne and Jaime were sworn into Bran's service. Apart from Meera and Pod, Sansa noticed that she and Bran were the only ones in the throne room. Bran then called them forwards.
"Arya tells me the two of you are…close." He remarked. "Is that true?"
They both shared a look, blushing.
Sansa was the one who replied. "Y-yes; we are, we love each other Bran. I know we're not exactly…What I mean is."
Bran shook his head. "I'm happy for both of you. I'm sure you'll be very happy with each other."
Hearing that sent a wave of relief through them as they realized they were being accepted.
"Pod, I understand you are still a squire." Bran then stated; Pod nodded. "Well; everything you've done for my sister, certainly proves that, such a title is no longer adequate. We'll have to see about knighting you soon."
Pod was stunned. "Y-Your Grace I'm not…I mean."
"I think it's a good idea, you certainly deserve it." Meera said calmly.
Sansa agreed and so Podrick finally accepted it. Sansa felt that her happiness couldn't be any brighter. She was finally home, she was finally safe. What was more, she was with Podrick; the one who had captured her heart and more than earned her love.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
