Hi everyone! I know this chapter is a bit fluffy at the end but I need some fluff with my SanSan after reading GRRM lol! Hope you like it :D
Chapter 10
The sun had already been up an hour, but the forest was still and dark as night. The only variation was now sunlight filtered through the trees in golden bands, illuminating only the areas that reached the forest floor. Sansa had awakened and looked around her, admiring the beautiful surroundings in silence. Sandor had warned her their silence made them safer here, and he led Stranger and Maiden through the dense trees on foot now as his eyes eagerly searched for signs of unwanted visitors in the area.
When they reached a small clearing in the wooded canopy, Sansa noticed that the air was alive with flying insects, made visible in the shafts of sunlight. Stranger began to snort and paw the ground; Maiden responded by nickering and reared up several times. Sandor drew his sword; he and Sansa found themselves surrounded by five large men who seemingly materialized out of the deep green forest from thin air. They had long hair and beards and dressed in animal skins; fierce-looking Rivermen that reminded Sansa of the men of the Northman clans her father often hosted at Winterfell.
Sansa gasped loudly, staring at Sandor, pensively waiting to see his next move. She was shocked speechless when he changed the position of his sword from his defensive stance to the informal way he stood at Joffrey's side in the Throne room of the Red Keep. Sandor's body relaxed as stood erect with both hands on the hilt, placing the tip of the blade of his greatsword to the ground. "What are you doing?!" she wanted to scream, but remembering his words earlier in the morning about trust, she remained silent.
"What might the likes of you be doing in our woodland at this time of morn?" asked the youngest looking man. At hearing his words the other men chuckled nervously. "You'll have to forgive Orin, Lord Clegane, he doesn't know he's addressing the fiercest sellsword in Westoros." The young man paled at the sound of Sandor's surname and moved his horse away from him.
Sandor glowered at him and said, "Braden you need to teach your pups some manners before some mean-tempered Dog decides to do it for you. It'd be a shame for someone as green as him to find his first day out ends up being his last on this godforsaken earth." Sandor rasped sarcastically; the very sound of his words clearly frightened the young man further.
Braden chuckled again and quickly changed the subject. "To be sure Sandor, to be sure...we're surprised to see you here. Word came down to us that your brother is up at Harranhall with Tywin Lannister. They're looking for men that might know Robb Stark's whereabouts-for questioning only, they say. We've seen evidence to the contrary, though." The other men exchanged looks; when they noticed the young maid in the dark cloak on horseback no one commented any further on the subject.
At the sound of Robb's name Sansa shot Sandor a nervous look. "Any bastard unfortunate enough to know Gregor knows he never just asks questions...so where is the Young Wolf?" Sandor asked while glancing at Sansa out of the corner of his eye, trying to gauge her reaction.
"No one knows. If the Mountain finds Stark men, they'll never tell Tywin anything. The Northmen are tougher than those Lannister sons of bitches, with their great bears and their direwolves...a useless endeavor, if I ever heard one." Instantly Sansa thought of her beautiful Lady and she coughed suddenly to cover her emotions.
"They have been raiding all the caravans of new recruits heading north to the Wall as well." added the largest man, who wore a long red beard; Sansa heard the other men call him Eric.
"What are you doing here Clegane? We thought you'd be in the middle of all the fun at Blackwater Bay, being Joff's Dog and all." "Not Joff's anymore-I'm my own dog now. Left the Kingsguard a few days before the battle. I'm going to make a new life for myself."
"Would this young lady have anything to do with your decision Clegane? What's your name Girl?" laughed the oldest man as he eyed Sansa. "I am Lady Clegane. I am so pleased to meet you my Lord." Sansa answered, blushing as she spoke. All of the men turned to stare at Sandor in surprise. Sandor scrambled to hide the shock he felt at her words as he nodded. "You may well be surprised my lords...we were just wed last evening. We have not even stopped to rest yet." The men smiled and nodded politely.
"It's my honor, Lady Clegane. I am Tierney, Chief of the Riverlands clansmen. Welcome to our forest." "Thank you my Lord, it is so very beautiful here in the daylight," smiled Sansa. "Clegane, you outdid yourself with this one-such a polite little lady taming the likes of you...no one would have thought it possible." said Tierney, slapping Sandor on the back as the rest of the men followed suit in congratulations.
"We would ask your permission to stay here for a day or two Tierney," said Sandor, and reaching into the pack on Maiden's flank he took out two large bearskins which he handed the chief. The chief held them out for inspection, nodded approvingly and handed them to Eric. The furs of the great bears of the North were rare and of high value in the Riverlands.
"We ask to come under the protection of your clan, as well as for our privacy-my bride is a bit shy." Sandor handed them a small pouch filled with coins. Tierney reached in and fingered its contents. "Stay as long as you wish Clegane. We'll not disturb you and your bride. Should we expect anyone to come looking for you?"
"Might be...could be," answered Sandor. "I'm no septon; I've buggered off plenty of dangerous men...who knows when or where one of the bastards will turn up?" Sandor shrugged casually as if they were of no consequence; the men all laughed heartily at hearing this.
"No one will bother you here with us. There is a lovely spot just below the ridge line your Lady might enjoy seeing, very secluded...a nice little river runs there, small pools for wading too." he winked at Sandor.
"Enjoy your leisure, my Lady Clegane." he said turning to Sansa. "Come lads let's be off now, with the battle at Blackwater there's sure to be more intruders needing our attention along soon." said Tierney as he and the other men rode off, disappearing into the forest as quickly as they had appeared.
Sansa turned to Sandor. "How long have you known them?" Sandor shrugged. "Since I was seventeen or so, when I was with Robert putting down the few remaining Targaryen loyalist enclaves from the rebellion. No one gets through these forests without their permission, I can assure you. Besides, sellswords know all kinds of tricks your so-called honorable knights would never dream up." Sansa nodded, thinking she had so much to learn about his past. "Will we really stay here for a few days-is it...is it safe?"
"Little Bird, I've been up for almost three days-I still need time to recover from the travel and fighting-the pain's come back since the wine wore off...and you look like you're about to fall off Stranger as we speak. We're safe here, trust me. Those Lannister bastards will never come through this forest, and even if they try Tierney won't allow it. We'll stop when we reach the spot Tierney told us about, won't be long now." Sandor sighed wearily as he got back on Stranger, shifting her in front of him once more as he headed off at a trot.
It was mid-morning when they reached the ridge line, and the beauty of the spot took Sansa's breath away. The deep forest gave way to a meadow with a small crystal blue river running along the treeline. Shallow blue-green pools in small inlets dotted its banks. Melted snow flowed over a large granite outcropping that made for a small waterfall which fed the river; and plenty of rocky areas ideal for shelter surrounded the banks. The air was crisp and the sky a magnificent blue peeked through the trees.
She turned in the saddled and smiled brilliantly at Sandor; she couldn't help but think it would be a lovely spot for their actual honeymoon one day. He squeezed her tight and kissed her, before dismounting and lifting her out of the saddle.
Once her feet touched the ground Sansa was shocked by how much pain she felt-every part of her that had touched the saddled was sore. Sandor laughed as he watched her move stiffly, trying to shake out the pain in her limbs. "You can go soak in those pools over there while I hunt us up some breakfast," he said as he unloaded Stranger and Maiden, turning them loose to feed on the succulent grass in the meadow.
Sansa blushed deeply at his words and she nodded shyly. He handed her a small package and coughed. "Shae gave me these-she said it's the lavender soap you like-uh, I thought...you might want it along." he shrugged awkwardly. She smiled gratefully at him and giggled as she opened it. "Don't worry about your bath, I'll only peek a little," he teased, and barking his deep laugh at her he walked away with his bow toward the forest.
Sansa reached in Shae's bag and took out her blue housegown and robe. She found some bushes to hide behind and peeled off her Southern gown, now covered with soot and the sickening smell of wildfire permeated the fine material. Hurriedly tying on her robe she walked to the pool closest to the bushes; sticking her toe in she found it considerably warmer than the water flowing over the outcropping.
Glancing around her, she quickly took off her robe and plunged into the water. She laughed at how good the warm water felt on her skin; she dipped her head under several times and used the soap Sandor gave her to wash her hair. Soon she heard Sandor working in their camp; she smelled the delicious fragrance of roasting meat and her appetite returned at the aroma. She quickly moved on to her body, eager to finish before Sandor decided to come looking for her.
As she rinsed off she noticed the numerous bruises covering her body. She obviously knew they were there before, but the way Shae washed her she hadn't really had a chance to see them clearly...she realized now Shae had done this on purpose to spare her.
In the bright sunlight the bruising stood out horribly against her pale skin. They covered her neck, shoulders, wrists, and ankles; varying in color at different stages of healing...serving as a reminder of all the things she had endured the past several days in King's Landing. Her mind went back to the bread riots and the men that attacked her. She recalled her fear for Sandor's safety as he went to battle and the terror she felt at the sight of the wildfire...and everything in between. Joffrey making her kiss his sword...Cersei's drunken taunts...Shae telling her to run...deep feelings of grief rushed upon her at once.
She stared horrified at the sight of her bruised wrists and ankles as the blue green water flowed over her legs; suddenly visions of the filthy men grabbing her roughly and spreading her legs assaulted her. The smell of their unwashed bodies filled her nose once again. The feeling of the man's hot drunken breath on her ear as he threatened her, her smallclothes being ripped from her body-it all came flooding back into her mind and filled her senses once more with terror.
Sansa was overwhelmed with the memories of her terror and pain and along with it came all the anxiety and grief she had long suppressed in King's Landing ever since the horrific day her father was execution at Joffrey's command. Her sobs came on her fast and uncontrolled; Sansa's wails lasted so long she was left gasping for air, choking out her pain as tears poured down her cheeks. Sansa felt her chest heave as she sobbed, fearing the torrent of tears would never stop flowing in her anguish.
Sandor heard Sansa's cries in the distance, and he grabbed his knife and raced to the pool where she bathed. He saw she was in the water alone; he looked around searching for the cause of her tears. He heard Maiden nickering in distress at Sansa's cries. Confused, he ducked behind the brush and decided to watch her for a while, thinking she may feel it improper for him to approach her as she was naked in the water.
His past experience with women told him Sansa had a good cry-out coming after everything she had been through. Maybe she needs to be alone, he thought to himself. But as her sobs continued unabated, he cursed propriety and eagerly went to her.
He grabbed her robe off the rock and waded out to Sansa; she continued crying, oblivious to his presence. "Why the tears Little Bird?" he asked softly, wrapping her in her robe and carrying her out of the water.
She clung to his neck and sobbed harder. He set her down on the grass and knelt down beside her, waiting for her to speak. "Look at what those...those m-men did to m-me," she stuttered out as she sobbed. "What did they do? Show me," he asked tenderly, brushing her wet hair from her face.
"Look at th-this," she said as she moved her robe to show him the bruises on her neck and shoulder. Sandor bent over her mover her hair aside with his hand. He gently kissed the areas above her bruises, running his tongue in small circles around them. Sansa gasped in surprise. "Where else?" he asked, pulling her closer to him.
"Here," she said holding her wrists out to him. He gently took both wrists in his hands and kissed the bruises there as well, then kissed each of her hands. Sandor saw goosebumps rise up on her arm at his touch. "Are there any more?"
"On my ankles," Sansa whispered, moving her robe to show him her legs. He knelt down and took each ankle in hand, kissing around her bruises tenderly. Sansa shivered in pleasure at the feel of his mouth on these sensitive spots in spite of herself. Her tears stopped and she smiled sadly at him, nervously wringing her hands.
Sandor scooped her up and sat her in his lap. "Sansa, these bruises are only temporary; it takes time, but they will heal, he began. "Just like the memories of what those men did; it will take time for you to heal from that, too...but it will happen. In my experience the worst wounds are usually the invisible kind." She sniffed nodding in agreement knowing he understood.
His faced turned deadly serious. "You remember what I did to those men?" he looked deep into her eyes, and his own eyes gleamed in rage at the very memory of that day. Sansa looked down at her hands and nodded again, trying not to think of how the men looked when he finished them off. He had cut each of the men's throats ear to ear, practically decapitating the one that held her wrists. As for the man who grabbed her ankles and tried to rape her-Sandor had gutted him like an animal...she shivered again.
Sandor lifted her chin up to look him in the face. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat believe that, and worse than that too if anyone dares try to hurt you again. No one will ever hurt you again or I'll kill them," he growled.
"I'll keep you safe Little Bird, I swear it. You believe me?" he patted her leg. Sansa smiled up at him and said, "Yes, Sandor, I believe you with all my heart." "That's my girl," he said, lifting her to her feet. "Now let's break our fast on some roast rabbit."
Sansa ate heartily, and felt much better after she finished her meal. Her crying had left her completely exhausted, and with her stomach full and her mind at rest she was eager to sleep. Sandor had laid stones in the fire on which he roasted the rabbits; and with his armored glove he carefully lifted them off the embers and set them in one of the craggy outcroppings that would serve as their shelter. Soon the heat from the rocks warmed the whole area.
Sandor let her get settled in while he went to bathe; he figured she might be feeling shy and want some privacy. Soon she heard him cursing and howling from the ice cold water under the falls. "Damned water must be made of ice from north of the Wall! Seven Hells it's damn likely to freeze my buggering cock right off before I finish!" he shouted angrily and at hearing him Sansa couldn't contain herself; she laughed out loud so hard and so long her sides hurt.
He could hear her girlish peels of laughter from where he stood; it filled his heart with happiness to hear such a sweet sound come from her. "Think that's funny, do you? How about I drag you into this ice water with me?" he growled loudly, a smile spreading across his face as her laughter continued louder than before.
He had laid out the bedrolls a respectable distance from each other so as not to put any unwelcome pressure on Sansa. Sandor had suspected her lack of inhibition with him in her room had something to do with the wine he had tasted on her lips; and as their night of travel wore on he had noticed her ladylike shyness return to her. He respected her innocence and modesty; and he found her pretty blushing around him aroused him more powerfully than anything ever had before.
When he returned to the shelter he had on clean pants but had left his chest bare; a wound from the battle on his side needed air to heal. Sansa had moved the bedrolls closer together and sat waiting for him on the covers. She had changed into her blue gown; and Sandor drank in the sight of her looking so beautiful, happy and peaceful. A deep blush came across her cheeks at the sight of his naked chest as he sat down beside her.
She lowered her eyes from his to look at his chest; tentatively she traced the scars on his chest with her index finger, her lips parted with desire for him. Sandor covered her hand with his and stared deep into her eyes, his passion for her unmistakable. "Why did you tell Braden you were my bride, Lady Clegane?" he asked quietly, his voice low and hoarse.
"Because I...I want nothing more than to be your wife Sandor. Last night you said you meant to make me your wife; did you change your mind?" she whispered against his lips, kissing him softly. "No, you best believe I damn well meant what I said. Will you...will you be my wife Sansa?" Sandor asked her, pulling away from her so he could see her face.
"Yes, oh yes, my love," she gasped, laughing as she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly. "I'll marry you as soon as we reach a heart tree or a septon-I keep to both the old gods and the new. Or better yet I will recite the vows to you right now." she went on excitedly." I care nothing for a big wedding ceremony...the old Sansa that thought of such things died at King's Landing with my father." she said more softly.
"I wish to never spend another day parted from you; I want nothing more to share my life...and my bed...with you forever." She blushed again at her daring words and he responded by hungrily kissing her on the mouth, lying her down on the bedrolls he passionately continued kissing her until Sansa felt she could barely catch her breath. Sansa broke their kiss and raised upright; gently she raised Sandor up to a sitting position with her. He pulled her onto his lap and she turned around, straddling his lap to face him.
"I mean my words Sandor. Let no more time pass with us unwed. I wish to swear my wedded vows to you right here and now...is that alright with you my love?" Sansa asked breathlessly, holding his face in her hands.
Sandor could barely contain his emotions at her words; all of his dreams and hopes he had nurtured for the past year were about to come true. He could hardly believe his good fortune...the gods had for some reason seen fit to give him the chance he feared he would never deserve.
A year ago Sandor had been a merciless killer without a conscience, content to do whatever was asked of him for the right amount of coin. Wine and whores were his comfort; he needed nor wanted anything or anyone else. He habitually expected and received nothing in life, and he thought he had himself convinced he was happier that way.
But this beautiful young maid in his arms changed everything for him; he was obviously first attracted to her otherworldly beauty, but as he watched her from a distance he found himself deeply touched by her quiet strength. Sansa appeared so delicate, like a tiny caged bird; but she proved herself a true wolf of the North. She had endured the worst imaginable circumstances; yet she remained unchanged and unbroken by the Lannisters' treachery.
How she still managed to maintain her honor, courtesy and dignity was a revelation to him about the true beauty in her soul. Observing her daily struggle to survive in the Lion's den, isolated from her family and yet still keeping her kind heart won Sandor over completely: his heart, body and soul was hers, and hers alone from then on.
She still held her belief in the basic good of people despite her circumstances; she brought about changes in his mind and heart he would never have imagined possible. She had managed to do the very thing he he had found impossible; she refused to allow the worst thing that had ever happened to her change who she was as a person.
She made him want to be a better man; one that could nurture the hope of one day finding his love for her returned. She made him long for a wife, children and a home; he wanted to be everything to her and gladly spend his life trying to satisfy the desires of her heart if she would only be his alone.
That is what drove him to her room after the battle: his deep and abiding love for her. Where he had once been cynical, now he had hope. He had prayed to the gods and had dared to hope that she would give him his one chance at happiness. Now all he had wished for was about to become reality for him. He silently thanked the gods for answering his prayers.
"There is nothing I could possibly want more in this world than to swear my wedded vows to you this very moment Sansa," he replied softly, his voice breaking with emotion. Sansa felt him trembling beneath her as she looked into his eyes and said her vows.
"Father. Smith. Warrior. Mother. Maiden. Crone. Stranger. I am his, and he is mine, from this day, till the end of my days." Sansa said softly, her voice trembling with emotion as she stared deep into Sandor's eyes, her fingers caressing the burnt side of his face.
Sandor swallowed back his emotion, and then said his vows to her in return.
"Father. Smith. Warrior. Mother. Maiden. Crone. Stranger. I am hers, and she is mine, from this day, till the end of my days." Sandor said, his voiced choked with emotion as his eyes filled with tears.
She laughed and squeezed her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. "Now we are one Sandor, at long last!" she said as tears of joy fell from her eyes. Sandor nodded, holding her body close to him tightly. "Yes, we are finally one...my love," Sandor said, as he passionately resumed kissing her once more, laying her down on the bedrolls.