A/N: Alright, so one of my readers asked to see a chapter from a different perspective and here it is. Ta da! You ask and you shall receive. Remember, if there is anything you want to see, just send me a PM and I will do my best to incorporate it. Thank you to everyone who reviews/follows/favorites…you keep me going. I do not own any characters except for Borin.
Borin woke from a peaceful night of sleep, the first he had in a long time and stretched his arms over his head, reveling in the comfort of a warm feather bed. His eyes blinked open and noticed he was alone in the small room. Odd, I wonder where the Hound is. To save coin at the inn, Ned decided they would only be getting two rooms. The first was for himself and Sansa and the other, much to Sandor's and Borin's dismay, would be shared by the two of them. Well good. It was more pleasant without him here.
Once he dressed for the day and refreshed himself, Borin opened the door to his room quietly. It was still early and he did not want to wake the inn's other occupants, especially the pretty girl he was traveling with. Sansa. Just the thought of her made Borin smile. She is sweet as honey and more beautiful than any other creature I have ever met. After seeing her in Kings Landing, he made a promise to himself to pursue the girl.
Stannis had promised him anything in return for the successful rescue of Ned Stark. Gold, land, titles—it would all be his if the Lord of Winterfell was returned to his seat in the North. I don't want any of that anymore. Funny how one's priorities change. Borin looked down the hall towards the other room they had paid for. I would have her hand in marriage. His pleasant thoughts were diminished by the sight of the Hound sitting outside her door. The warrior's armored back rested against the door and his legs stretched out in front of him, knees bent as the hall was narrow, and his arms crossed against his chest.
Borin frowned and paused mid step. It would be unwise to wake the sleeping dog. Damn that man. There must be a way to get rid of him. He is always at her side. He felt lucky in the fact that the previous day, Ned had insisted that the Hound ride behind them, giving him the opportunity to spend some time alone with the Maiden herself. Sansa was an absolute delight and her melodious laughter lifted his spirits as nothing else ever had. Borin was thrilled that she was receptive to his attention and longed for the opportunity to distract her once again with stories from his travels.
The floor creaked underfoot as Borin shifted his weight and he became frightened, for all at once the Hound's eyes shot open and he was on his feet, dagger in hand. Where did that blade come from? Gods, this is how I am going to die. The Hound's face relaxed a little at seeing it was Borin who graced the hall, although the apparent displeasure in his features could not be eased. "What in Seven Hells are you doing wandering about here? I could have killed you." He sneered and added, "Would have been a pleasure."
Wonderful, now the Hound wants me dead. "Please accept my apology for waking you in such a manner. I believe Lord Stark wanted us gone from this place before everyone else makes their way to the common room to break their fast."
"Aye, I do remember him saying that." The Hound listened for a moment and sheathed the dagger in his boot. "No need to worry yourself. From the sound of it, Lord Stark and Sansa are already up."
Borin's anger rose at the Hound's familiarity with his lady. "How dare you address the Lady Sansa in such a manner. I will speak with her father about this."
The Hound closed the gap between them and took Borin's tunic into his fisted hands. His whisper came out in a low, raspy voice, "I will call her whatever the fuck I want. Not you, her lordly father, or anyone else will stop me."
Borin began to truly panic and became nervous when the large man holding his tunic noticed. He never felt more terror than when the Hound smiled slyly at him. "Afraid of me, are ya? Will these scars haunt your dreams? Take a good look boy, drink it in." Sandor paused when Borin audibly gulped. "Now you listen to me, stay away from her. Sansa doesn't need your pretty words."
Grumbling under his breath, Borin looked away and was surprised when the Hound slammed him against the wall. "What was that you said?"
Might as well say what's on my mind. "I said that the Lady does indeed want to hear, what you have termed, my 'pretty words'. With all she's been through, I believed she needed a distraction. It is not good for her to dwell for too long on the pain and suffering that occurred in Kings Landing."
"What do you know of her suffering," Sandor snarled. "You weren't there when they beat her. I was. You weren't there when no one else would save her. I did. You never carried her unconscious from the Kings chambers after a beating." The Hound stopped and seemed to reflect on the past. Is it just me, or is the Hound actually getting choked up?
Before he could continue, the door to Ned and Sansa's room opened and Sandor instantly let go of Borin. Ned was the first to step out and Borin respectively bowed, noting that the Hound had not done the same. "I trust you slept well, Clegane?"
"As good as could be under the circumstances, Stark."
Sansa emerged from behind her father and smiled brightly. "Sandor, Borin, I wish you both a good morning."
Sandor was the first to answer, "That it is, Little Bird."
Little Bird? He has a pet name for her? Lord Stark is allowing this? Putting on his dashing smile, Borin kneeled in front of Sansa and took her hand, placing a gently kiss on her knuckles, "It is a wonderful morning, Lady Sansa, now that you are here."
Borin waited for the Hound to lash out at him, but nothing ever came. I was right. Sansa is the key to keeping the Hound at bay. She needs to stay close to me, but how? An idea struck him and he jumped to his feet, moving in front of Ned. "Lord Stark, might I be so bold as to ask permission to become your daughter's sworn shield? The journey ahead of us is long and dangerous. She will need protection." There, now I can be close to her.
"I am afraid I must decline your request. As it is, Sansa already has a sworn shield," Ned replied and gestured towards the imposing figure of the Hound.
No, it can't be! "The—the Hound is her sworn shield?" Borin looked at his beloved lady and saw her take a step closer towards the man who had threatened him just a moment ago. Wait, what is this now? The Hound smiled down upon Sansa and Borin saw something in his eyes. He knew that look well and could recognize it on anyone. This is impossible. The fierce Hound cares for the Lady? Oh, this is too good!
Borin smiled once again, trying to hide his prior disappointment and shock. "Of course, Lord Stark. The Hound is a wise choice, just a little unexpected. Well I am sure we can all rest easy in knowing the dear lady will be kept safe."
"Come," Ned started, ignoring Borin's words. "We must leave now before clear minds recognize who we are. Clegane, you ride with my daughter today. Borin, you're with me."
Lord Stark cannot see what's in front of him! The Hound is practically in love with his daughter and knows nothing of it. This is my chance. I will have to save her from such a man and once I do, she will be all mine.
