Chapter 26: Truce and Teasing
"Do you think he'll be able to handle it?" Davos asked Jon as they stood on one of Widow's Watch's walls where Daenerys told them of the loss of her fleet heading to Dorne.
"He'll never be what he was," Jon said solemnly, "but Theon deserves to know what happened to his sister."
"He might leave to save her," said Davos.
Jon shook his head. "I don't think he's ready to do that yet. There's still too much Reek in him."
"We also don't know where she is," Daenerys said regretfully. "I don't understand how, but Euron made it through our blockade without us noticing. He could be at King's Landing, the Iron Islands, anywhere."
"Even if we did, we don't know that she's alive," Jon said with a sigh, his brow furrowed in a moment of thought before shaking his head with a crestfallen expression. "We can't risk the men. Maybe when we focus south again. Assuming we could even salvage any of them, the Iron Islands' fleet won't matter against the Night King and we'll need the men we'd lose trying to get her back."
Daenerys saw he hated leaving Yara to her fate, but it was what he needed to do. Hearing footsteps she turned and saw Tyrion and Varys approaching with grim expressions. "What is it?"
"We took Casterly Rock," Tyrion answered.
"That's very good to hear," she said, surprised it left them dour. The hesitant look they exchanged made her grimace. "Isn't it?"
Tyrion took a moment before answering. "Casterly Rock was a feint. They left only a reserve to defend it."
"A reserve?" Daenerys asked, turning to them with Missandei at her side.
"Once they took the castle, Greyjoy's ships destroyed ours."
Missandei put a hand to her chest thinking of Gray Worm trapped at Castlerly Rock. "Euron Greyjoy," said Daenerys, her jaw shifting. "And where were the Lannister forces?"
Tyrion took a breath as if preparing himself for her anger. "They'd left, heading south to sack Highgarden. They destroyed the Tyrell garrison, likely captured Olenna and her grandsons if they weren't killed."
"You'll want to discuss this amongst yourselves," Davos began.
"You will stay," Daenerys said firmly, shaking her head as her blood boiled and she looked around them. "All my allies are gone. They've been taken from me while I've been sitting here in this castle."
"We still have the largest armies," Tyrion offered, watching her look to the water.
"Who won't be able to eat because Cersei has taken all the food from the Reach."
"Call Gray Worm and the Unsullied back," suggested Tyrion. "We still have enough ships to carry the Dothraki to the mainland. Commit to the blockade of King's Landing. We have a plan. It's still the right plan."
"The right plan?" Daenerys exclaimed, turning on Tyrion.. "Your strategy has lost us Dorne, the Iron Islands and the Reach."
He tilted his head, backing down slightly."If I have underestimated our enemies-"
"Our enemy?" Daenerys asked incredulously. "Your family you mean. Perhaps you don't want to hurt them after all."
Tyrion's lips thinned. "How can you question my loathing of Lannisters?"
"You are one," she said turning to look at the sea.
"It's called self-loathing," said Tyrion, earning him a sharp glare from Daenerys while Jon and Davos shared a silent smirk.
Hearing Viserion screech she took a breath. "Enough with the clever plans. I have three large dragons. I'm going to fly them to the Red Keep."
"We've discussed this-"
"My enemies are in the Red Keep," she practically sneered. "What kind of queen am I if I'm not willing to risk my life to fight them?"
Missandei shot a glance to Jon, who seemed to be watching Daenerys, his face unreadable.
"A smart one," answered Tyrion.
She shook her head, turning to look at her dragons. Seeing Rhaegal, her gaze turned to Jon. "What do you think I should do?"
He looked up, not having expected to be brought in. "I would never presume to-"
"I'm at war," she said, walking toward him. "I'm losing. Now I ask the man who would be my king… what do you think I should do?"
Her council seemed surprised as Jon held her violet gaze. "I never thought dragons would exist again," he said with a glance at them. "You've made the impossible happen. It helps people believe you can make other impossible things happen. Build a world that's different from the shit one they've always known…" He glanced at the dragons. "But if you use them to melt castles and burn cities… you're not different. You're just more of the same."
Daenerys frowned. "I can't just let them walk over me." Her eyes furrowed slightly as she added, "Over us."
"I didn't say don't retaliate. Just don't go melting castles and killing people who don't particularly care who rules them. We need to be better then the Cerseis of the world. Not just so we can feel better about ourselves, or even for the people we serve. We need to make a future that's better than the present, otherwise what's the point?"
Daenerys looked to Tyrion, Varys and Missandei who seemed surprised and touched by Jon's words. "Could we cut them off? Catch them before they make it to King's Landing?"
"I'm not sure," Tyrion frowned.
"You could make it in time if the winds are kind," said Davos. "It'll be close, but they'll be slow after sacking a city like High Garden."
Daenerys looked from Davos to Jon. "Aegon-"
"Leave," he cut her off. "We're united against Cersei. Let the rest be decided once you've come to Winterfell and we can all discuss it." He added with a smile. "And please. Jon."
Daenerys nodded before turning to her council. "Get the others. We're leaving immediately. And send word to Dragonstone, have the Dothraki sail to the mainland."
"At once, your grace," Varys said with a bow while Tyrion rushed off to get the Dothraki guards.
Daenerys turned back to him. "We'll maintain a blockade at Dragonstone, but once I've settled this I'll head to Winterfell so we can all meet."
"I look forward to it."
"I bet you do," Daenerys said with a laugh that softened to a smile. "Thank you, Jon."
"I'm sorry I can't be more help," Jon frowned.
"When I first heard of your existence I was happy to not be alone, but then I feared the worst," she admitted. "You could have been so different. You could have been like Viserys… instead you're like everything I ever heard of Rhaegar."
That seemed to surprise Davos and Jon. "I… I wouldn't know."
"One of the kingsguard who served my father told me stories about him," she said with a somber smile. "When we meet again, I'd like to tell you some."
Jon nodded. "I'd appreciate that. I've heard a few stories of my mother… but never him. Seems Targaryens with friends in the north are rare."
Daenerys looked him over and smiled. "And now they have a Targaryen of their own."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Sansa had finished seeing off her Granduncle Brynden and a battalion of Manderly men when she took to standing on the walls of Winterfell, watching the eastern horizon.
"Look at you."
The moment Sansa heard his voice it felt like a bird shit down her spine.
"I had no doubt you would persevere," Petyr said walking to her side. "Now a queen in all but name, set to rule the seven kingdoms alongside a man the people seem to revere."
She offered a thankful smile, adjusting her cloak as he stood beside her, looking to the east.
"I hope he returns soon." He didn't fail to notice her surprise at that. "I trust you never would stand beside a man that inherited his grandfather's madness, but can we say the same is true for the queen across the sea? She has three dragons at her command. What's to stop her from turning them on our king?
"I remember hearing she and her brother despised the Starks nearly as much as she hated the Baratheons. Robert was a usurper and the Starks their dogs. They vowed to slay them all upon their return. His Stark blood may be an asset here, but I fear it may be a hindrance with her."
"Jon's strong," she said as much to herself as him, "he'll return."
Petyr nodded. "I imagine you're right… but I admit I hold concern that your betrothed may stray if Daenerys is as beautiful as they say. For even with a beauty awaiting his return, he is still a man with a man's desire. She's been wedded and bedded, no need to save herself any longer."
She wanted to tell him Jon wouldn't do that. That she'd suggested he marry her and he wouldn't lead her on while he had Sansa. He wouldn't risk one of them being hurt.
But she didn't want him to know that. She didn't want anyone to know yet that there was a chance she'd be one of Jon's brides. Especially not someone who valued little secrets as much as Littlefinger
"I will stand by my king's decision," she said carefully. Let him think her the dutiful lady.
Petyr looked to her with a smirk as he turned to leave. "I suppose even kings can be blind to their blessings."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
After a morning in the yard which ended with Arya and Brienne sparing yet again, Sansa changed to prepare for her day. With a look over a few letters that had arrived she made her way down to meet with the lords who remained in Winterfell or had even returned after visiting their houses briefly.
It was past midday when she had a chance to walk the grounds. She waved to Rickon who sat with Johnna and the few younger free folk who remained at Winterfell while the rest had settled in The Gift. Though they'd teased Rickon about how much time he spent with Johnna, she knew Jon had talked to him about befriending the free folk, who would be citizens of the North once things had settled. He wanted them to respect Rickon as they did Jon when he took his place as Lord of Winterfell.
Not far from them she found Arya taking a walk, observing everything and everyone she passed. Spotting her sister, Arya made her way toward Sansa. "Don't look so down. I'm sure you'll land a hit eventually."
Sansa rolled her eyes. "I'm not down. Definitely not about that."
"What then?" Arya asked, stepping in line to walk with Sansa.
"I want to try getting glass gardens in some of the other keeps, but we barely have the supplies to repair our own." She let out a soft sigh. "I thought… I thought this could be my project. The one thing I set in motion before Jon gets back. Show him I can get things done even if he's gone, so he can rely on me for more than keeping things going."
"I'm sure he relies on you for more than that," said Arya. "He left you in charge. It's up to you to start convincing whoever shows up to join our side."
"I wanted to do more. If…" She came to a stop, looking around to see they were far from anyone overhearing when Arya turned to her. "I told Jon to at least consider marrying her as well."
Arya's eyes widened. "As in as well as marrying you?"
Sansa nodded. "But if he does… what am I? I know he cares for me, but she'll be the one who brings armies and dragons to help us. I don't want to end up the poor girl he kept because he loved. I don't want to be forgotten when this is all settled. Not by him, but by everyone else. I'm not… I'm not special like you or Bran."
The fear of inadequacy surprised Arya. She'd always felt Sansa would become this unshakably confident woman bordering on arrogant. It was part of why she'd been quick to remind her of her faults.
"You don't have to be special to be important, Sansa." Arya sighed. "I didn't set out intending to end up how I did. I just wanted to be able to do what I want. I wanted to learn how to fight, and then I just wanted to survive. Then I just wanted to make sure I could get revenge, but… once I heard about you and Jon I knew I had to come back. Being able to wield a sword or a dagger will never matter as much as being here." Arya took her sister's hands and met her eyes. "Be here for him. Be here when no one else is. He'll remember and they'll see."
The tender tone left Sansa smiling. She'd never expected Arya to say something so kind to her, especially not the Arya she saw so often slip behind a vacant mask. Still, she couldn't help but smirk after a moment and tease, "Of course you'd tell me to be nice to Jon."
Years ago Arya might have been fed up and stormed off, but she smiled. "Don't think you can stop being nice once you land a hit on me either. I'll still put you on the list."
Sansa snickered, Arya following her as she began to walk. "I'll try not to get too big a head."
They were walking toward the crypt when they heard a guard's voice in the distance. "Why do you need to see her?" A moment later he asked, "And she knows you? No? Then piss off."
Sansa looked over her shoulder toward the gate to see who was there. Arya stopped beside her, arching her brow and turning to look at the gate with her. The moment she did Arya gasped. "Gendry?"
"You know him?" Sansa asked looking from her sister to the man speaking to the guards.
"Please, just-" He was saying when Arya called out, "Gendry!"
The guards turned to see the Stark women making their way toward them, Arya wearing a smirk as she came to a stop before the muscular man carrying a bundle of cloth over his shoulder. Sansa watched his face light up the moment he saw Arya, making an exaggerated bow.
"M'lady," he said looking at her with a grin.
Arya scoffed. "Idiot. What are you doing here?"
Standing again, Gendry smiled. "I heard your sister was at Winterfell again and started north. I thought the least I could do is help her and the king as much as I can. Is… is it really your half-brother?"
Arya frowned. "Yeah. It's Jon." She motioned to her sister. "This is Sansa. Sansa, this is Gendry. We traveled together after I left King's Landing."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Gendry," Sansa said with a curtsy. "As Lady of Winterfell, welcome."
Gendry went wide eyed. "Thank you, m'lady."
"Come," she said waving him forward. "I'll find you a room." She shot Arya a quick look as if to say, unless he'll stay in yours, and Arya's eyes narrowed.
"I thank you, m'lady, but no need to trouble yourself for me," he said following behind her.
"It's no trouble. You're a friend of Arya's. You were there when no one else was. It's the least I could do."
Arya shot her another glare at her using Arya's own words against her like this. It might have been cruel since she knew Arya wouldn't make a fuss in front of him, but Sansa couldn't help it.
"If you insist, m'lady," said Gendry, "then I'd gladly offer my services as a smith. I had my own shop in Flea Bottom and apprenticed under Tobho Mott, from Qohor."
"Gendry's the best," Arya assured, grinning. "We can trust him, Sansa. Plus I think we can use him to gain more allies. You're Robert's Bastard aren't you?"
Gendry smirked, surprised she'd figured it out, while Sansa stopped mid stride, turning on them. "What?"
Both seemed confused by her concerned tone. Gendry looked to Arya before nodding. "It's true, m'lady."
Sansa shook her head. "You can't let anyone know."
Arya knit her brow. "Sansa, what-"
"Jon's meeting with Daenerys Targaryen," she explained. "If he brings her back she might try to harm you. Pe-People say she hates Baratheons. Wanted to kill them. If she comes with Jon he'll have convinced her the Starks aren't like she thought, but we may need to be careful."
Gendry stood wide eyes while Arya's narrowed, noting Sansa's stutter.
"I promise, we'll do what we can to make sure you're safe," Sansa assured him. "But please, keep this quiet until we know she's fine. Don't tell anyone, not even Jon."
"Sansa," Arya said with a frown.
"You know he won't be able to lie about it, not like us. He'll tell her and put Gendry at risk." Arya gave a relenting sigh as Sansa looked to Gendry with a smile. "We've started to prepare arms for as many men as we can when the time comes. Most of the free folk were left in leather and hide when we fought the Boltons. We'd like to make sure they're as armored as any other soldier when the time comes and their weapons are better than what they could manage beyond the wall or steal."
Gendry gave her a firm nod. "I'll do all I can, m'lady."
Notes:
The 'self-loathing' bit is stolen from the tldw posts from reddit. I thought it was such a good line that was pure Tyrion it could've been in the show.
Sorry to anyone hoping Brynden would play a major role or screw with Petyr, but he's got to go retake his home. He also has to avoid incoming guests.
Petyr missing his target is a key factor in my portrayal and interpretation of him and his whole "Chaos is a Ladder" bit, which I find more interesting than the typical puppet master view of it. Here he tries to make Sansa worry about Jon's safety, instead his comment makes her worry that Gendry's appearance might upset Dany. There's a certain joy in having this character think he's sniping when at best he's hitting grazing shots that have chain reactions, at least with some characters.
I've changed the bit with Arya pointing out Gendry is Robert's bastard three times because I can't remember if she ever found that out, but I figure she would have thought back on that time a lot and figured it out on her own. If she knew, let me know where it's shown so I can look up the scene and change it.