Wake up Sansa.
Slowly I open my eyes, blinking to let myself adjust to the light, looking around for the source of the voice. Not seeing anyone, I rub my eyes and sit up. Taking a moment to gather myself, I slowly realize I am not in my room, though still in Winterfell. I am in front of the Weirwood tree in the Godswood, and I am not alone.
Standing before me are beings unlike I have ever seen, but I immediately know who they are, the Old Gods. They could be nothing else, for who, or what, else could huge human like ethereal figures be. At first, I am unable to speak, even form any words at all, but rather just take them in. After some time, I finally get myself together and ask, "What is happening?"
As soon as the words left my mouth, it was only then that I notice they all varied in color and size. The largest of them, which resembles a woman with brown skin and green hair, steps forward and answers me, "We are here to correct our mistake and ask that you help us do so."
Surprised does not even begin to describe how I feel at their reply. Suddenly, all my pain and anger peaks inside me and I find myself wanting to lash out. "A mistake? You let my family be nearly destroyed, let all of Westeros be nearly destroyed, and you call it a mistake?!" I realized my voice was getting louder to where I was almost yelling, "You abandoned us when we needed you most, and now you want to fix things?! You want my help?! What do you want me to do now? Be sold off to a pack of rapists this time?! Watch who remains of my family die in front of me? Go on, tell me just what you would ask of me to fix your mistake." As I trailed off, my voice no longer loud, I realize I am crying, tears flooding down my face as I try to catch my breath.
"To go back. That is what you once told Jon was it not? You wish you could tell your younger self not to leave. We can offer that, and more."
"Why would you do this?"
"Your family is the oldest of man, not just of Westeros, and we were supposed to protect it. In this, we failed. For letting man worship what Gods they will, we let false Gods bring chaos and greed. This is something we need also need to rectify."
"You speak of The Seven? "
"The Seven and the Lord of Light, none of which are Gods. The Seven are merely false deities who so many pray to but were created as stories by man to gain control over masses. Why do you think there were never any names, let alone books, about us? There was no need. The Lord of Light is no lord, just a powerful mage, with a cult following. There is nothing God like about what they do, it is just a disuse of old Magic."
"What about the Drowned God?"
"He is among us," as she points to one of the others, whom has skin is such a deep blue it shimmers black with swirls of green.
"Who are you? How did I know who you were when I saw you?" I ask the one who alone has spoken thus far. I still have no answers as to how I just knew, and I do not like it.
"I am the Mother, the Earth, and eldest of us all. The one you call the Drowned God is the Sea, and eldest after me." She points to her left at one who is orange with swirls of red, and another who is a gleaming white shimmer, "She is the Flame and beside her is the Father, he is Death, and also the last of us." She takes a step toward me and offers her hand as she offers a smile, "Come daughter, let us show you the truth."
Reaching out to take her hand I realize I am still kneeling on the ground and am glad for her help to get up. Not letting go, she guides me closer to the Weirwood tree, placing my hands on its face. Her and the others gather around me in a half circle. I am tall for a woman, but they are several heads taller than I, but rather than feel intimidated, I instantly feel comforted and safe. Warmth seeps into my hands as the face on the tree begins to change. No longer weeping and sad, it is as if it is looking at me, talking to me, telling me what I need to know.
The Mother speaks again, "You knew who we were because no one can lie while in these woods, not even a God, not to a Stark. The Weirwood will show you the truth you need to see. Trust it and let it show you, heal you."
Closing my eyes, I let the warmth spread past my hands and slowly envelop my entire body, as if its power is trying to hug itself to me. A tear slips out at this. How long has it been since I felt genuinely comforted, safe, and loved? Too long. I sink myself into the feeling and open myself up to it, letting it guide me.
As I relax, I hear all their voices telling me all they did wrong, all we did wrong. Then, I see it, feel it. It was like reliving it all over again, only this time I was not alone. This time I could fall apart and have someone to catch me, protect me as I finally let myself truly break. Every memory from the beginning of our end, every hug and moment of abuse, replayed vividly in my mind, burning itself into my memory. This time though, I was letting it go, along with my rage and anger. With every tear I shed, I replaced it all with my love and my will. There is no room for mistakes this time.
It could have been hours, even days, that I wept and screamed it all out of me. My voice should have been gone, my face raw, my body exhausted, from all the sobs and screams, but I had never felt more alive in my life. It was as if all the poison was now out of me and I could breathe again. Instead of all the hate and anger, I had a plan, along with all the determination and love I could muster behind it. I knew I would need all of it to get through this.
Removing my hands, I stepped back, and taking a deep breath, I turned around to face the four behind me. Looking again at the Mother, I simply asked, "How do we begin?"
"You already have. Now it is our turn. We will send you back to before this all began. You will be but a girl of ten and three again."
"How am I explain this to anyone? I cannot just be thrust back into my younger self and think no one will notice. They would think me mad!"
"Trust in us Sansa, we will guide you. You will never be alone. Others will return with you, and more will become allies later. We will begin with seven."
Looking at her I wonder if Gods can be petty. She must have understood my thoughts because she smiled at me continued, "We are not without our own justice Sansa. The Seven were the cause of so much strife before, it is only fitting that another seven be allowed to correct their mistakes. You will have a true seven. Two of Winterfell, a friend in the north, a spy in the capital, one of the Citadel, a kraken, and a solid pair of sea legs."
I am completely baffled for a moment as it seems she is speaking in riddles. Realizing I need to focus, I know I will find meaning in her words. Replaying them in my mind, I begin to understand, "Two of Winterfell. Please tell me you mean Arya and Jon. Bran has lived so many lives already he deserves to have his own again. No others would make sense, or a difference."
"We agree. Bran will remain himself in this life. He was never meant to be anything else, despite what he was told. Do not fear, the Three Eyed Raven will be no more in this timeline. You have it correct as it will be Arya and Jon. They must remember and be at your side. Their experience and skill will be key in the fights ahead."
"Thank you." Thinking on the next two, it is rather simple to figure out, "I get Tormund, but I am confused if it is Varys you mean. Is there something I need to know about him? He was a supporter of the dragon bitch as I recall." I was not even sorry for the jibe. It was a miracle I did not sneer as I mentioned her. I may have let my rage go, but my disgust will never be gone.
"He was, though realized his mistake in the end. When he had learned about Jon's heritage, and knowing of his nature, he did all he could to support him, even at the cost of his own life. His spies are invaluable and will be needed in the times ahead. He will be honest with you, even if you may not like what he has to say. Give him a chance and he will prove to be a great ally."
Letting out a sigh, I realize I have to keep my options open, "I can see how he would play an important role, so I will make sure to keep my mind open. Now, one of the Citadel, that would be Samwell Tarly. He will know how to prove Jon's heritage, though I admit I am glad Jon will have his friend." The next name is hard for me, for many reasons, "Theon will remember. I do not know if that is fitting or just cruel, but I understand it necessary. Now, what is this about sea legs?"
"Davos Seaworth. He once was a smuggler, and a fine one. His skills, and knowledge of the seas, will come in very handy when the time comes. As with Varys, give him a chance, and he will prove himself to be not only useful, but loyal."
"How am I to wake again in this life? You said you would guide me."
"Do not fear. You will simply wake in your old room and when you do, you must come to the Godswood. Jon and Arya will meet you, as will your father."
"My father? Why?"
"He will not remember, but he will need to know the truth. He will only believe it if it is told here, and we are all here with you. You must have him on your side for this. Others will eventually know as well, your mother and Robb, but the boys will be spared."
My heart breaks for them, knowing the pain it will cause, but it is what we must do. "What else?"
"Some things must still happen. Jon Arryn will still die, and the king will still venture north. This time however, you have the chance to change just what north he finds, and to reshape what happens when he is here. The rest is up to you but know we will be there to help where we can, and you will have your family."
Something in me snapped at that. While I love my family, I would never again be left vulnerable, "That is not all I will need. I refuse to ever be at the mercy of another or depend on another to protect me again. I may be surrounded by warriors, but I will need to become one myself. Seeing as I will have little time to do this when you send me back, it is something I request of you now. You want me to fix this, then you will help fix me." It is the first time I had steel in my voice and could feel the Queen in me stand her ground, and it felt good.
To my surprise, it was the Father who almost immediately replied, "This will be my gift to you daughter. I will grant you a sword arm that has no equal, however, you must still train. The skill and knowledge will be yours, but your body must be trained to adapt. Do not fear, you will not be alone in this. I will always be there to guide you."
Letting out a breath I did not realize I was holding, I could feel a huge weight lift off me, as if I had shed a heavy outer skin. Knowing I could protect myself, and others, gave me comfort I could not put into words. Independence would be truly mine for the first time in either life. As I was relishing in these new feelings, I notice the other two stepping closer to me.
The Drowned God spoke first, "We shall each bless you with a gift. Know that you and yours will always be safe and have the wind when upon my seas."
The Flame adds, "Magic of the First Men runs through you, and with it, my Flame. You will know what this means when the time comes."
Finally, the Mother speaks again, "I will bless all birth in the North, from womb and from earth. Your line will grow strong and the North with it."
"Thank you for these gifts. I know they will help guide me through what is to come, though I sense there is much more you must tell me. The mistakes you say were made, cannot just be to my family, so tell me. What else must be fixed?"