Hey, I can't say how long it will take to get the next parts ready, but here's at least one more!
Btw, I didn't receive any feedback apart from one person who so kindly wrote a review to all the last three chapters I posted, so I hope there is still any interest left in me keeping this story going a little while longer...
But anyway, this one's written so here we go!
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Tyrion stared at her, apparently lost for words for the first time since she knew him. He blinked several times with his different-coloured eyes, opened his misshapen mouth, closing it again as he realized that it wouldn't form any words. Then, the corners began to curl instead, slowly forming a smile. It made him look even more grotesque and she clearly remembered when it had been almost physically painful for her to look at this face at all, but not anymore.
She had seen so much since then, so many things she couldn't make unseen and that didn't allow her to be the same Sansa Stark that had arrived in the capital all those years ago.
Yes, there was no way, no reason to deny that Sansa had lived through cruelties that no one of her young age should have had to suffer from, that most people couldn't even imagine.
But she wasn't sorry. She was proud of what she had made of herself. Some might say she should be proud because she managed to become that person despite what she had gone through, but Sansa knew better. She hadn't become who she was today despite those experiences, but because of them.
And so had he. Tyrion was a strong person. He was intelligent, sure of himself and stayed true to what he believed in. He had muddled through life, partly thanks to his family name, but mostly because of those qualities. It hadn't been easy for him though. She knew he must have been tested countless times and yet it had only made him stronger in the end, more persistent.
They were so much alike, he and her. How could she ever have thought him to be a monster?
The sound of someone clearing his throat brought Sansa back to the present. She blinked, turning slightly to face Lady Brienne and Jaime Lannister, the former with a look of bashful embarrassment on her face, the latter failing to suppress an amused smirk. Sansa was grateful for the cold north air that was hopefully concealing the heat she could feel creeping up her cheeks when she became unpleasantly aware that the two must have caught her and Tyrion both lost in thoughts and -even worse- probably staring at each other.
Brienne cleared her throat again, apparently trying to cover up her uneasiness and the Lady of Winterfell used the time to regain her own composure to an appropriate degree.
"I-I'm sorry, Mylady", Brienne said then, trowing a glance from her to Tyrion before lowering her gaze to her feet for a second and shifting uncomfortably. "I hope we weren't interrupting...anything." It was half question, half statement and Sansa couldn't ignore the sparkle in her eyes when Brienne threw a glance at her.
"Not at all", she therefore said even more determinedly, hoping that it would suffice to sound convincing. "What is it?"
"Ser Jaime and I, we have a matter of some importance to discuss with you", the other woman informed her, exchanging a quick look with the knight by her side.
"Of course", Sansa replied. "Perhaps we better move this conversation to the Great Hall. Tyrion, would you excuse us?"
"Actually, Mylady...", Brienne interrupted slowly as the younger Lannister just bowed to back away.
"We hoped that Tyrion would agree to participate in the discussion"
"Oh." Sansa raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Does it concern him?"
"Not exactly, but it concerns me, Mylady", Jaime Lannister joined in, "and it is...a sort of family business."
They weren't to express themselves any clearer now, as it seemed, only exchanging another of those meaningful looks that made Sansa quite curious, a little suspicious even, but she was going to be told anyway, so she didn't probe further.
"I see", she simply replied, nodding understandingly. "Of course he can be part if that is what you wish. I don't see why not. Very well, if you would follow me, then."
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"Now", said Sansa as the heavy wings of the wooden door to the Great Hall of Winterfell closed behind them with a muffled sound. She crossed the room to take a seat in the chair that had once been Lord Eddard Stark's, still feeling a bit smaller every time she sat there, wondering how it had come to be hers, but holding her head high as it was suitable for the Lady of Winterfell, let alone the Queen in the North.
"What is it, this important matter of yours?"
Brienne stepped forward hesitantly, radiating this intriguing mixture of cautious, polite composure and calm strength she owed to her unique figure and personality.
"Mylady, I have to inform you that I received a letter from my father, formulating the request of my immediate return to Tarth."
"I see", Sansa nodded. "And what, may I ask, was your reply to that...request?"
"I haven't answered yet", the other woman told her, throwing a glance over her shoulder at Ser Jaime, who immediately followed her unspoken invitation and came to stand at her side.
"I found myself in a position...of uncertainty. I didn't want to make a decision, make promises in any way before speaking to you first."
Sansa smiled. She knew there was barely another person in all of Westeros with the same sense of duty and loyalty as the one standing in from of her.
"I wouldn't have expected anything less from you", she said warmly. "However, I read from your words that you do wish to fulfil what's been asked of you, don't you?"
"I-" Brienne hesitated. "I am sworn to your service, Mylady", she said then evasively. "I am bound to you and your words for as long as you are willing to keep me, and I will gladly follow your command if it should order me to stay."
Brienne felt Jaime's gaze on her, but she didn't look at him, only praying that he would be wise enough to stay quiet. From the corner of her eye, she noticed how he opened his mouth, and she stiffened slightly.
Please, she begged him in thoughts, let me do this my way. And really, he seemed to think better of it, closing it again, and Brienne relaxed.
"Of course I wish you to stay", Sansa, to whom the silent interaction hadn't stayed unnoticed, replied seriously. "And you are welcome here if that is your choice. But", she went on, "Brienne, it must be your choice. I'm giving you the freedom to decide and whether you want to stay or leave, I shall be happy to accept it and support you, if I can." She watched with satisfaction how Ser Jaime's features visibly softened at her declaration and when her eyes met his for a second, he nodded almost imperceptibly.
Brienne, on the other hand, didn't seem to be at ease at all. Hadn't this been what she had hoped for? That she would be allowed to go, and on friendly terms even? However, now that it came to say it out loud, she couldn't suppress the sting of duty that had been her constant companion over the years. The little voice in her head that had always been a friend to her, whispering in her ear so reliably about honour and moral.
"But I- I swore an oath, I-"
She heard the slight squeaking of the door in its hinges, turning around, almost thankful for the interruption, to find Theon Greyjoy looking at them in surprise.
"Oh", he said apologetically. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to disturb. I didn't know anyone was in here."
"It's alright, Theon", Sansa said with dignity, but still soothingly, as he was flinching uncomfortably.
"I'll come back later", he said, quickly turning around, but his Lady's voice held him back.
"Theon. Now that you're here...would you please go and search for my sister and Prodrick Payne", she asked him. "Tell them I expect them in the Great Hall as soon as possible."
"Of course." Sansa nodded as a sign that he was dismissed, turning her attention back to Brienne as soon as the door closed behind his slim figure.
"I hope you don't mind my expanding our round", she said.
"Of course not." Brienne wasn't sure why Sansa had asked for the other's presence, but neither would she have dreamed to question her Lady, nor did she care who heard about her leaving - in case she did leave at all. Whatever the final outcome, everyone in Winterfell was going to find out anyway.
"Very well", Sansa said, demanding Brienne's attention once more. "I believe we were talking about oaths."
"Indeed, Mylady and I-"
"You, Lady Brienne", Sansa interrupted her, lifting her hands to quieten her, "are the last person anyone who has only the least knowledge of your character would ever expect to break an oath. There is no reason to question your loyalty and I am lucky to count you to my most valued followers. You have proven your worth over and over again - as protector, advisor,...friend", she smiled when she saw the other women's eyes glisten proudly.
"I shall miss you when you're gone", she finished then and Brienne had just opened her mouth when the doors creaked a second time, revealing Arya, Pod and Theon.
"Has anything happened?", the little wolf asked immediately, her hand on the hilt of Needle as she crossed the room with big steps.
"Not at all", her sister assured her. "Would you please come and join us? You too, Theon", she added as he already wanted to close the door behind him. "I think this might be a matter of interest to all of you."
Arya looked slightly suspicious, but she took a seat at her sister's side while Podrick and Theon held themselves in the background next to Tyrion, all three silent but intrigued.
"Lady Brienne has informed me of her father's wish that she may return to Tarth", she told them, watching how especially the squire's eyes widened. "And I have decided that she should go if she wants to."
"Mylady-", Brienne began, but Sansa shook her head.
"I know that you want to", she said softly, "I can see it." Brienne's mouth opened once more, but she hesitated, apparently unsure what to reply. "Am I wrong?", Sansa asked and finally, the other woman breathed out and shook her head.
"No, Mylady."
"Then you should go", the Lady of Winterfell proclaimed. "You have my blessing. And you're not breaking any vows", she accentuated, knowing that this was what had held Brienne back in the first place. "I hereby release you from the oaths you have sworn to me the day you rescued me in the forest", she went on and a hint of uneasiness flashed over her knight's face, but Sansa smiled soothingly. "The North remembers, Lady Brienne", she explained, "and so do I. I owe you more than I could ever repay, but this is at least one thing I can give you in return", she said, warm sincerity shining from her eyes when she continued. "You have spent your life fighting and serving others, and you served them well. But I think the time has come that you may lay down your sword. Let the fighting be over, Brienne", she asked compassionately. "You should serve only one person now, and that is yourself."
Brienne swallowed, obviously affected by the young woman's words - partly because she was simply touched by her compassion, but also because she discovered the undeniable truth behind her advice.
"Thank you, Mylady."
"However", Sansa added, "my part of our oath stands and so it will as long as the houses of Stark and Tarth prevail. You shall always have a place at my hearth, and meat and mead at my table. Know that you'll always be welcome at Winterfell", she finished and Brienne bowed in affirmation and gratitude.
"I assume Ser Jaime is going to accompany you", the Lady of Winterfell detected then and watched amusedly that the blonde woman was still blushing slightly at what had been obvious to everyone even long before the two of them had opened up to each other themselves.
"He is indeed, Mylady", she confirmed quite confidently nevertheless.
Jaime threw a glance at Tyrion now, relieved when the latter nodded at his big brother with a smile of warm consent.
Sansa watched them, a strange feeling spreading in her belly at this sight. Not too long ago, she wouldn't have been able to decide which of the Lannister brothers was more hatable, the whole family a bunch of rich, despiteful hypocrites. Never had she thought that any of them was able to show the slightest sign of mercy or affection, let alone love, and yet here they were with the emotion shining from their eyes as they smiled at each other, a connection clearly distinguishable as the bond only siblings were able to form in that way. How was it possible that two souls like these had survived between the likes of their father, sister and nephew?
Strong hearts and minds, Sansa decided, not unaccustomed to those qualities herself. Willpower, and perhaps a little help from certain females, she added in thoughts, smiling to herself.
"Now, the rest of you might ask why I summoned you here", she then addressed the rest of those present. "As it comes, Lady Brienne's request let me wonder if there is someone else among you that wishes to join her in leaving", she explained, quietening Arya at her side with a wave of her hand before she had even had the chance to open her mouth. "You have come here to defeat the Army of the Dead", she went on, "and you've done so bravely- I assure you we shall not forget the price you were willing to pay to secure the survival of the Seven Kingdoms. But as I said", Sansa repeated, "the fighting is over and neither of you is obliged to stay. I only wanted to ensure you know that you're all free to go", she said, looking at her sister by her side and taking her hand when she finished, "whenever and wherever your hearts might lead you."
Arya grinned. "You didn't actually think I would leave you alone with all these Nordmen and wildlings, did you?", she asked, eyebrows raised. "I'm finally home. I'm not going anywhere even if you wanted me to", she added a little challengingly. "And trust me, you couldn't make me."
"I wouldn't dream of trying." Sansa squeezed her sister's hand and Arya nodded confirmatory.
"I suppose you won't be in need of a squire, Mylady, Ser", Podrick's voice echoed through the hall, his eyes searching Brienne's. "So if you would be willing to let me stay, Lady Sansa, I would be honoured to serve under your command."
Sansa nodded in grateful acceptance.
"I believe Lady Sansa would have much more use for a knight than a squire, Pod", Brienne detected with a teasing undertone, but her eyes were shining warmly when they met Podrick's questioning gaze.
"I will make sure to ease my own mind by leaving her under the protection of Ser Podrick Payne", she said then and the smile that spread over the young man's face was so bright that no one in the room could help but smile as well.
"Theon?" The last of the present looked up almost frightened as Sansa addressed him. He had played his part during the long night, yes, but as they said - the North remembered. The Starks surely hadn't forgotten his role in Winterfell's history, and neither could he. He wasn't proud of it, but that didn't make anything undone.
"What about you?" Sansa's voice brought him back from his thoughts. "Perhaps the Iron Islands are calling for you?"
"I-..." He hesitated, considered what to reply. "If you want me to go, then I will", he said then truthfully, his eyes darting between the floor and fleeting glances at Sansa, who shook her head at his words.
"I'm not ordering you to", she told him. "It's your choice."
Those words made him look up. He had half expected her to send him away, and he wouldn't have blamed her. But perhaps... If they allowed him a chance to right some of the injustice he had brought upon them, wasn't he committed to try?
"I'm a Greyjoy", he finally said, hesitating. "But I'm also a Stark. And as such I wish to stay by your side - as my Queen, and as my sister. If you'll have me", he added, his tone still questioning, unsure, but his eyes fixed on her face now. She could see how he breathed out in relief when she slightly bowed her head in agreement.
"I would be honoured."