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Kay [chapter 36]: Thank you, I was worried about Ned's (Dayne) character and I felt as if Arya (and Gendry) did not have many friends outside of their families so Ned is there to bring some lighthearted conversations but he is a serious man, just a friendly face. I don't exactly know his real age but I think I remember watching a YouTube video about him being present at the Tourney at Harrenhal where he witnessed Brandon ask Ashara for a dance with Eddard. Not sure if this is true or not but if it is, I guess his age that I've put down does make sense. Blizzard's backstory will be eventually revealed along with other backstories such as Robb's movements before he met Jon and Sansa's during and after Ramsay Bolton. We already kind of know about Arya's (from the show) and we might see some from Rickon. The Starks are a pack and although their society has a place for each sibling (in the case of spare heirs and branches off of the main branch), they are breaking the mould by showing other Houses that every child can have a place in their house as opposed to serving as vassals to the heir.
Guest [chapter 5]: Exactly! Thanks for reviewing!
DarylDixon'sLover [chapter 36]: Thank you for reviewing! Hope you enjoy the next chapters.
The representatives from the Winter Throne had proposed that House Redwyne meet them at Highgarden castle.
"The fourth largest city in the realm," Sansa said, Varys on her left and Bran on her right, as they walked through the castle halls. "Highgarden is truly remarkable."
"It is, Princess. The Redwynes are due to arrive very soon," replied Varys.
Sansa nodded, turning to her wet nurse. "My daughter is due for a nap."
"Yes, Princess. I will take her to the chambers right away," the young woman said, picking the child up and leaving.
Blizzard seemed to feel despair at the child's leaving so she curled around Bran's legs.
"You'll play again soon, Blizzard," Bran said softly, smiling when she squeezed his legs.
She sauntered off, becoming interested in the colourful gardens which she didn't even notice earlier as her attention was on the child. Blizzard seemed to be confused at the colourful plants and flowers.
"You truly are a Winter beast," Sansa said. "Are you enjoying your time here, Bran? We can visit the markets - I'm sure it will get a rise out of Cersei."
"I'd rather remain here."
"Bran, the reason I asked for you to come along was to get you away from the North. See what else is to offer!" Sansa said, pulling him towards the gardens where Blizzard inhaled a blue flower before sneezing.
"You are blessed, Blizzard." Bran grinned in amusement. "I guess it is beautiful," he told his sister.
Sansa knelt down and picked up a yellow flower, spinning the stem between her fingers. "Margaery was going to tell me all of their names. We never had pretty flowers in the North other than the Winter Roses."
Standing up, she slipped the flower into one of his undone buttonholes. She dusted his shoulders off and stood back to admire her little creation.
"Handsome," she said.
"I am sorry to interrupt, Princess Sansa and Prince Brandon but I've heard that Lord Paxter has arrived," Varys said, appearing into her view.
"I'd rather get this sorted out now, have his party sent to the Great Hall."
Bowing, Varys whispered into the ear of a servant who nodded and left them alone.
"Allow me to escort you there," Varys told the siblings. He eyed Blizzard. "I'm sure your direwolf would enjoy the fresh air-"
"She stays with me," Bran said, heading off ahead of the bald man.
Varys' smile returned and he followed after Bran as Sansa walked alongside Blizzard after them.
As they walked, Varys quickly explained who was who. "Meeting with us are Lord Paxter and the late Lady Olenna's elder sister, Viola Redwyne, and younger sister, Bethany Rowan. May I add," he said in a quiet tone. "Lord Paxter is twice Lady Olenna's nephew? Her late elder brother was his father and then Lord Paxter went and married his first cousin, Mina. How interesting is that?"
"Tywin Lannister married his first cousin, Joanna Lannister," Bran told him. "It isn't unusual. We have ancestors who have done the same although we frown upon it in the North now. Don't know why..."
Varys chuckled. "The North forgets."
"Seems so," Sansa interjected. "Let's hurry - we don't want to be late for our own meeting. That is very improper."
She walked ahead of them now, entering the Great Hall just as the guards of Highgarden led the Redwyne inside.
Sansa almost faltered, the Lord wasn't exactly the most attractive of men but she had business to do.
"Lord Paxter Redwyne," she said. "I am Princess Sansa Stark of Winterfell and with me are my brother, Prince Brandon and our Master of Whisperers, Lord Varys."
Paxter regarded each of them. "It is an honour to be acquainted, Princess Sansa and Prince Bran," he said, bowing as his aunts curtseyed politely. "You know who I am - these are my aunts, Lady Viola and Lady Bethany."
Both women looked similar to Olenna, Sansa noticed. Bethany was many years younger and prettier than her elder sisters but Olenna would forever be known as being more beautiful than any woman in the Reach in her younger years.
"I am sorry for your losses," Sansa told them. "Lady Olenna was a wonderful mentor. Queen Margaery was a dear friend."
Paxter gave her a grateful smile. "Before her death, I received a raven from my aunt," he said. "She knew that it would be the end of House Tyrell. She had requested for me to collect a few items secretly hidden in this very castle."
He gestured around and Sansa was taken with the beautifulness of the stained glass windows. Different coloured glass in the likeness of flowers was on each grand window.
"Lady Olenna was a wise woman," Varys said. "She loved having the last word and I could not fault her - she had a cunning mind."
"That was my sister, yes," Viola said with a harsh voice. "It was her or nothing."
"Viola," Bethany whispered.
"So, why have the Stark Kings sent you to speak with us, Princess Sansa?"
Sansa turned to Varys. "Lord Varys, why don't you and Prince Brandon speak with Lord Paxter as his aunts and I take to the gardens? I feel lightheaded and some fresh air would do me better."
Lord Varys bowed and he and Bran led Paxter away as Sansa led the woman back outside. Blizzard had followed her master.
"Thank the gods!" Viola breathed out. "That scary beast had its eyes on me as if it wanted to eat me full!"
Sansa chuckled softly. "It's a she. She is tamed as are the rest of our royal direwolves. She wouldn't hurt anyone."
They sat down at a bench, Sansa between the two elder women.
"Your dress is beautiful. I thought the North only had dark colours," Viola said, her lips slightly pursed as she inspected Sansa's dress.
Sansa beamed. "I made it myself," she told them. She stood up and allowed them a better and closer look. It was yellow in colour with intricate stitching in the likeness of flowers. It also had purple and green detailing in honour of the House she came to meet and the extinct one.
"You made it?" Bethany breathed out. "No wonder our late sister took a liking to you."
Bethany reached into her bag as Viola reached into one of her pockets. Both women retrieved two pieces of jewellery.
"Our sister wanted you to have these," Viola said to her, giving her a silver ring with an onyx diamond as Bethany handed her a silver chain with the same onyx coloured diamond. "They were to go to Margaery but..."
Sansa gasped. "I can't accept these."
"Who better to have it than a princess? A rightful and honourable princess from a rightful and honourable House. Our families have never liked the Lannisters - those foul people," Bethany said. "If there is one king we'd serve - it will be the one in the North or should I say the ones in the North. Let the Winter Throne prevail and make it strong."
Sansa gave them a smile. "Oh, we plan to, my ladies."
"Oh, please do not tell our nephew we gave you this set - it was Olenna's favourite. She won them from his mother." Viola rolled her eyes.
"Of course, she did," Sansa said, laughing.
In the solar, Varys smiled in victory when Paxter shook hands with Bran.
"Highgarden will be House Redwyne's and House Tarly will lead the Reach," Paxter agreed. He reached into his pockets and retrieved silver jewellery from them. "Our gifts to the Princesses. My aunts do not wish to have them nor do any of our heirs. It holds painful memories and they're not ones which are inherited so my late aunt requested that they are given to Princess Sansa."
"Thank you, Lord Paxter," Bran said, taking the gifts. "They will love them." Well, Sansa would. Arya would probably be forced by their elder sister to wear it at her wedding then be done with them.
Paxter cleared his throat. "I was told that your eldest sister made quite an impression on the old woman," he said. "So, I have requested one ring, in particular, to be sent to Winterfell for her along with a message from my late aunt."
"She will be forever thankful," Bran told him. "Thank you for agreeing to our terms."
"We will still be the current richest House in the Reach but we want a quiet life after so many losses. Thank you for being understanding."
"Thank you for agreeing to my brothers' terms," Bran repeated, purposefully referring to his brothers. "My brothers wish to rule with the kingdoms, not over. Your wellbeing is their concern - no one is inferior."
"Even the people in the slums such as that Flea Bottom in King's Landing?" Paxter asked, slightly surprised.
"Even them," Bran confirmed.
"How remarkable," the old man said in wonder. "Now we have business out of the way, how about a feast and some wine?"
...
They had spent a few days with the Redwynes before they finally arrived at Horn Hill after a restless journey there.
They were warmly greeted by Sam's mother and sister and they were fed properly on Lady Tarly's orders.
"I can't wait until Gilly and Little Sam come home!" Melessa beamed. "I have missed my grandson."
"He has missed you. He enjoys playing with Little Cat," Sansa said. "Lord Samwell speaks of visiting Horn Hill, my brother says."
"How is King Jon? Ah, I can't wait to meet my son's good friend!"
Talla blushed. "Mother! Do calm down!" She said in embarrassment. "I doubt King Jon would visit here."
Sansa turned to her, a smile on her face. "If his sister and brother have visited, he is sure to come soon himself. He speaks of meeting Lord Samwell's family. He wants to personally be there to see Little Sam as Lord Tarly. Oh, and you both are always welcome at Winterfell."
Melessa grinned happily. "The raven sent here told us of important business," she said. "Is it serious?"
Bran nodded. "Very," he told her. "We have an important request for you."
"Go ahead, Prince Brandon."
"We want House Tarly of Horn Hill to be the prominent castle-seat in the Reach. My brothers trust your son, there was no argument regarding replacing the extinct House of Tyrell with yours."
Talla and Melessa shared shocked glances, the younger woman placing an unsteady hand on her mother's forearm.
"What of House Redwyne? They were the superior vassals of House Tyrell," said Talla. "My father and brother, Dickon..." she swallowed deeply. "They supported House Lannister. That shame has tarnished our family against the Winter Throne."
"Nonsense," Sansa said with a wave of her hand. "Your father and other brother's actions do not represent your House as a whole. Samwell has told us many things about his kind-hearted mother and sweet sister."
Melessa's eyes watered and she cleared her throat. "Houses pledged to the North within the Reach do not see it as such. Thank you, Princess but we must humbly decline."
"House Redwyne is behind you," Bran told her. "Everyone knows that your House was divided - it is no more."
"I..."
"Please, accept the Stark Kings' offer. You are such an admirable House with admirable living relatives," Varys cut in. "Lord Samwell, very clever man - he surprises us all! He fought in the Great War, didn't he, my Princess and Prince?"
Sansa nodded enthusiastically. "He did! He saved my life!"
Sam's sister and mother were shocked but they were happy in pride for the young Lord's actions to defend the realms.
"Have you spoken to my son about this?" Melessa asked.
"King Jon personally saw to speaking with him and your son told us to speak to you. He respects his mother's decision."
"We will accept then," Melessa said.
"A toast, to the new castle-seat of the Kingdom of the Reach," Sansa said, raising her cup. "House Tarly."
"House Tarly," everyone chorused.
...
Gendry leant against the door, watching as Arya water danced with Needle. He had never witnessed her doing so but something had made her sad so she shut herself off from the world and began to dance as she was doing now.
"Arya?" He called out.
"I need time to myself," she said softly.
"Why?"
She turned to face him. "I'm having doubts. Thinking about my parents and their love for each other... I know I love you but it means I will have to give up who I've grown to be. You're right, I can't be tamed."
Gendry pushed himself off the door and walked up to her, cupping her cheeks with his palms. "I'll never ask you to give up who you are."
"I know you wouldn't but marrying you would mean I have to," she replied. "After Cersei is killed, my list will be complete and I'd have nothing."
"You'd have me," Gendry quickly said.
"When I was with the Faceless Men, I had to give up who I was but then I realised that wasn't me - I am Arya Stark of Winterfell."
"Soon, you'll be Arya Baratheon of Winterfell and Storm's End."
She smiled softly but it didn't reach her eyes. "I need a few more years, Gendry... I left the Faceless Men to be Arya Stark again. I need to hold onto her for a little while longer. I'm not saying that I won't marry you - I just need a few years to be me."
After a while, he finally nodded. "I will wait. But I am going to Storm's End in two days."
"I'm sorry I won't be going with you."
"Don't be. You need to be there at Cersei's downfall and you need time afterwards," he said. "I love you."
"I love you too," she easily replied.
In the courtyard, Brienne and Rickon were overseeing a few homeless smallfolk looking for shelter and food. They had the cooks feeding them and servants bringing warm clothing for those whose clothes were no longer wearable.
One stood out from the rest and caught Brienne's eyes.
"I see you're not used to the climate of the North," she told the young woman.
The woman blushed furiously. "No. I'm from the South," she replied, her accent strong. "I've left the Eyrie in search of work."
"What did you do before?" Brienne asked, handing her some rabbit stew.
"I was a pack mule guide but I've been trained as a handmaiden and nurse," the woman replied. She sipped her soup and sighed in relief at the warmth.
"Why leave the South? It's warmer," Brienne said lightly, sitting down beside her. "Excuse me, you look very familiar - like a man I used to know. Not entirely his likeness but someone related to him."
The woman blushed again. "My name is Mya Stone. I am one of the late King Robert Baratheon's bastard children."
Brienne nodded. "I see so. Welcome to Winterfell, Lady Mya."
"I'm not a lady," she said quickly. "My father never acknowledged me but I hold no resentment towards him."
"Why choose the North?" Brienne asked her, similar to her question before about her leaving the South.
Mya sighed. "I heard a few bannermen of House Arryn speak of a half-brother of mine being legitimised. I wish to know him - he's the only family I have."
Brienne smiled at the young woman. "Not only is he legitimised, but he is also to marry the Kings' sister, Princess Arya."
Mya let out a soft gasp of surprise. "He is?"
"He has also met your half-brother, Edric Storm. They are to live in Storm's End very soon."
"I... I wish to meet him. Can you take me to him?"
Brienne looked around. "I can't bring any strangers into the castle but if I speak with the Princess or the Kings, mayhaps you may be granted entrance."
As if the gods were listening to her, Arya entered the courtyard, discontent settling onto her face.
Brienne joined her. "My Princess," she said.
"Lady Brienne. How may I help you?"
"A woman related to your betrothed is here. Mya Stone."
Arya gasped. "Gendry's half-sister? Where is she?"
Brienne led Arya over to where Mya nervously waited, her rabbit stew now finished and the bowl on the wooden table.
When they reached her, she immediately got to her feet and curtseyed. "My Princess."
Arya looked her over. "Yes, you do look like him," she said. "Join me inside. We'll get you dressed in something warmer - I see you're not used to this weather."
"Not at all, I can be," Mya quickly said.
Arya laughed. "It doesn't work like that but the castle was built on hot waters, the walls are warm. Inside, you'll fare better."
Walking through the hallways, Mya looked around in awe.
"Where is my half-brother?"
"He's around," Arya replied. "I'll see to it that you'll meet him as soon as possible."
Mya nodded in reply and silently followed behind Arya as Brienne followed behind the young woman. It was unbelievable being in the same castle as the Starks - even, almost family as them.
She was led into guest quarters and Brienne quickly searched for an available chamber. Finding one, she allowed Mya to enter first then Arya.
"There is a tub if you wish to have a warm bath - I'll call for a handmaiden to help you." Arya turned to her guest. "I'm sorry, I don't really like to do welcomes, my sister does those but she is currently away."
"It's no trouble, Princess," Mya said. "I'll decline on the bath until sundown."
Arya gave her a smile. "You're invited to dinner. I will return soon to take you to see Gendry then we can have dinner with my family."
"Di-Dinner with the Kings?"
"You're my future sister-by-law. You'll be my family." Arya gave her a small smile. "It's nice to meet you."
"And you, Princess Arya," Mya replied.
Mya was home.
...
Once again, the Stark siblings waited in front of the gates in the courtyard for the arrival of Sansa and Bran.
As she did in her entrance weeks prior, Blizzard stalked in first and headed over to the other direwolves where Nymeria growled lowly as her brothers sniffed the direwolf.
The carriage finally entered and Lord Varys got out first with Bran follow and helping Sansa out as the wet nurse came out the other door, carrying Little Cat with Varys' help.
Sansa and Bran went over to greet their family with tight hugs and smiles.
"What is that?" Arya asked as she pulled away from Bran to inspect the flower.
"A gift from the Tarlys. We also visited the gardens of Highgarden. Those flowers didn't survive the journey so Lady Melessa had this one wrapped in glass."
She gently touched it. "It's beautiful."
"Welcome home," Robb told his sister and brother. "A Small Council meeting will commence tomorrow after you've rested."
He and Jon went inside as the younger siblings stayed outside to admire the gifts brought home courtesy of the Redwynes and Tarlys.
"Lord Paxter gave me some of Lady Olenna's jewellery for you, Arya," Bran told her.
She winced. "Do I have to accept? Can't Sansa-"
"It would be rude not to," Sansa chastised. "Just wear them at large feasts or your wedding." She grinned. "We have to start planning some time, we can't let Cersei stop us from living our lives."
Arya sighed heavily, her voice becoming quieter. "I've postponed our wedding for three years."
Bran and Sansa turned to her in shock as Rickon continued to play with Little Cat and the direwolves, unaware of the news.
"Gendry understands."
"Why?" They asked her.
"I want to be myself for a little while longer. Wouldn't you want to stay Sansa Stark for as long as you can?" Arya directed to her sister. "You've already been a Lannister and a Bolton."
Sansa pursed her lips. "I guess. You're lucky you have such a considerate betrothed."
"Speaking of Gendry - his older half-sister arrived a while ago. She's had her twenty-fourth nameday and I've requested for her to be our head handmaiden."
Sansa began to smile. "Are you making friends with your betrothed's siblings, Arya?"
"We're not friends."
"Save me the denial, Rickon told me of your banterous ways towards Lord Dayne of Starfall," the Tully coloured sister said laughing.
Arya scowled. "He's definitely not a friend."
"If you say so," Sansa sang. "But you do need some friends. We all do."
Later in the evening, Sansa opened the box sent from the Redwynes from Lady Olenna.
Bran had told her that it was a ring and she lifted the ring up and held it close to the candle to inspect it.
It was gold with green liquid inside the diamond. Frowning, the Princess retrieved the rolled up message and read it.
'For the Lannister Bitch, my dear girl. Make us all proud, Sansa and avenge us all.'
Sansa inspected the ring intently, watching at the liquid swirled around inside the tiny diamond.
If Arya wanted to be there to cross Cersei off her list, Sansa would be there too to help with her secret weapon.
"Oh, Lady Olenna..." She said under her breath. "You always knew..." She smiled.
Sansa had tried hard to fool people during her time at King's Landing and when she had erratically held that one conversation with Olenna and Margaery, she wasn't sure if they were on her side or not. She later found out that the Tyrells used her to carry the weapon used to poison Joffrey Lannister to death at the Purple Wedding where afterwards she was falsely accused of murder.
If she didn't take part in killing one Lannister, she definitely was going to now with the matriarch.
Sansa smiled widely.
Here is a chance for a character made by you to be incorporated into this story. I am looking for a Southern House which will have a woman and man (siblings) roughly Sansa, Robb and Jon's ages as well as their younger sibling (to be fostered in Dorne). This House of yours will be loyal friends of Sansa - whom she would have met during her time escaping King's Landing to the Vale.
Notes for this chapter:
(1) Sansa tries to get Bran out of his shell by helping him explore the Reach.
(2) Sansa feels remorse for how the Tyrells were killed by Cersei.
(3) She impresses Olenna's sister with her handcrafted dress. She receives gifts from them as well as Lord Paxter.
(4) The Redwynes support the Winter Throne and agree to have House Tarly as the castle-seat of the Reach in return for the downfall of the Lannister dynasty and Highgarden.
(5) Sansa and Bran visit the Tarly women where they speak highly about Sam and promise that Jon will visit as well as them coming to the North.
(6) House Tarly agree to be the castle-seat of the Reach.
(7) Arya asks Gendry for three years before they get married. She also meets his half-sister Mya Stone and requests to have her become a handmaiden.
(8) The younger siblings spend some time together and Sansa finds out Lady Olenna's final gift to her which is a ring filled with poison intended for Cersei.