Summery: With the arrival of winter Westeros undergoes a great many changes, for some it is the end of everything. For the Cleganes it is but the beginning of a bright new future.
Disclaimer: All this belongs to GRRM.
Winter had fully descended upon the land, yet Sandor, and his beloved Sansa did not fear its icy touch. The stone cabin once dilapidated and forgotten had long since become their home. It had become a place of happy memories; a sanctuary from the storms of war and the darkness that long threatened to consume the land.
Shortly after their wedding Arya and Gendry departed for the Sapphire Isles to train under Lady Brienne of Tarth's guidance. It would be another year before they too were wed. Hot Pie however, remained serving at the monastery alongside with his newly wedded wife. Under the baker's guidance, Sansa furthered her skills in cooking, while the former Silent Sister taught Sandor how to fully overcome the restraints of his wounded leg. Through hard work and much encouragement at the hands of his lady wife, Sandor was once more able to fully wield a sword again, while Sansa mastered the art of fine cuisine.
Isolated from the world beyond the Quiet Isles the two lovers lived their lives blissfully unaware of all that had changed throughout Westeros. Not even Queen Daenerys Targaryen grand victory over the lions, or her coronation had reached their home until many moons later. Wizened from her experiences, the Dragon Queen was quick to secure her claim; forging peaceful alliance with the self-proclaimed kingdoms. Only the foolish dared to oppose her or the dragons she wielded. In the end there remained only one kingdom beyond her reach: the North. With the future of Westeros under her care the Queen turned her attentions to the past, capturing those who aided in the ruin of the Targaryen's rule. Well aware of Sandor's marriage to the Northern princess Daenerys took no time to summon the man once known as the Hound to court. It was her intent to both forge an alliance with the remaining Starks, and to learn the full truth behind the Lannister's once most loyal subjects.
It was for this reason that Sandor was summoned to court to face trial for his brother's crimes. Though it had been some years since the Mountain faced his gruesome demise, Gregor's shadow had once more threatened to ruin all that Sandor loved most of so he believed. Sansa, well aware of court politics was optimistic. She knew the importance of her position, and of the Queen's wish to forge an alliance with her house. She was equally confident the time had come to clear her beloved's name of the taint that had been Gregor's legacy. Drawing upon past experiences in court, Sansa opened a dialogue with the Mother of Dragons. Upon receiving a message from the Queen, stating permission to plead her case the young couple began their long treacherous return to Kingslanding.
Upon their arrival the Clegane's were granted comfortable quarters, and permitted to roam the Red Keep to an extent, despite the fact Sandor was considered, by most, little more than a prisoner until he stood trial. However, it did not take long for Lady Sansa to befriend the elusive Queen Daenerys. Sandor did not need to guess at how it came to pass. He knew enough of Daenerys history to understand that the two women shared a lot in common, both in history and the struggles they were forced to endure at the hands of their enemies. Aware of Daenerys wish to unite the Northern Kingdom with the Iron Throne Sansa sought to negotiate with the Queen and her councillors on behalf of her little brother Rickon, whom had been rescued by Lord Stannis Baratheon, and was still too young to rule. It was as much her desire, as it was Daenerys own, to forge an allegiance between the Northern Kingdom and the Iron Throne. Both women knew their people needed peace, now more than ever before. However, it was the not the only reason Sansa Clegane sought audience with the Queen and her councillors.
It would be a fortnight later before Sandor learned of his wife's timely intervention. To his immense surprise, and the utter shock her court subjects, the dragon queen had granted him a full pardon. Clegane Keep and its villages would be fully restored to him for he was the rightful heir. In exchange, the Northern Kingdom was to swear allegiance to House Targaryen. House Clegane too was to serve and defend the dragons should the need arise. Uncertain what to make of this turn of events, Sandor readily agreed to the terms, grateful his family would no longer live in fear of the future, or bear the burden of his brother's dark legacy. With the end of his trial and Sandor's freedom proclaimed the two departed for Clegane Keep, where they soon learned, much to their elation that Sansa was with child.
Winter continued for several more years, ensuring hardships at every turn. However, the young couple took joy in each other, and in their ever growing family. Clegane keep once barren, cold and threatening had become a place where royalty, nobility and smallfolk alike were readily welcomed. Through hard work, Sandor was able to ensure the security, safety and well-being of those under his care. While smallfolk immediately loved his beautiful wife, in time even the much feared Hound came to earn their loyalty and respect.
House Clegane was never truly able to be rid of its dark history. Nor would Sandor or Sansa ever claim great wealth power or fame in their lifetime. Though they had experienced many trials and tribulations there was no denying that the remainder of their long years were filled with joy, love and laughter.
In time their happily ever after had become a local legend. A fairy tale that would pass on from generation to generation, about a beautiful princess whose love saved a fearsome beast, from the dark curse that had befallen him.
What once began as a horrible nightmare, had through the love of one, become a tale as romantic and heroic as the dreams Sandor once cherish as a little boy. So it was that their memories would live on forever in the minds and hearts of many.
Author's Note: So ends my series 'The Flirt'. A huge shout out to all those who stuck it out to the end. Also a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to give me +favs/follows and for encouraging me with all your kind words. You all know how to make a gal's day! =D
