The Warriors of Winterfell

by black dragon

For thousands of years the people of the North had been known as barbarians and savages. People who know nothing of the culture and traditions of the south. But what if they are not as dumb or naive as you think? What if they are only hiding their true resourcefulness? Major AU you have been warned.

18. Riddle of Steel

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO HBO AND GEORGE R.R. MARTIN.

A/n: Ok, I admit the writing bug has got me and I am writing yet another chapter of W.O.W. instead of updating my other stories. But when you just watched the last episode of G.O.T. you can't stop thinking about what might happen next. Someone asked me if I read the books which I replied no. So most of my information is coming from S.O.I.A.F. Wikipedia page and separate source materials that I bought at a used book store. So when I have the time I will sit down and read more into the novel world with my world of Ice and Fire Book. Maybe that would help me write a bit more until the prequel series starts.

But anyhow I thank you all for your lovely reviews of the last chapter of this story and well wishes for my post surgery. I love you guys so much and don't worry there is more of Sansa's adventures in King's Landing Coming up.

THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL

Chapter 18: Riddle of Steel

KING'S LANDING

Sansa's hands were swollen by the time she was done polishing the armor to a shining glint. It shown with the brightness of the sun. She spent the entire night cleaning and polishing as well as dying and painting the metal with special inks that were kept in the back of the shop. She found it fun to actually work on something she enjoys, but she was more at the moment frightened of the outcome of this day.

For it is the third day and Ser Gregor the Mountain is coming for his armor.

The armor is large for a man as large as him and dyed with yellows and black for the hounds. It shown with a gleam that would blind any man a hundred fold. Still Sansa would not be satisfied unless she was sure that everything was perfect. She was still very nervous as she inspected the inside of the helmet. It was done right and nothing seems to be out of place.

"San!" called one of the apprentices.

Sansa stood up from where she was putting the final touches to the helmet, "Yes," she replied.

"Master Tobho wants to speak with you," he said.

Sansa quickly got up and made her way out towards where the main stall was in the Smithy. There the Master Smith would be able to do his coin exchange without anyone accidentally getting hurt while getting the things they need. When she got there Master Tobho was once again standing there with his merchant robes on helping customers with their orders. In front of him was a group of people all buying to get a chance to have a weapon or something as ordinary as a utensil. It was a service that the shop also does and often times it was done by the night time apprentices or those just learning the Smithcraft.

Other things on the walls around the shop included the horse shoes of various sizes each of them looking like they could last forever. But Sansa knew that it was only through wear and tear that a shoe would eventually give out and had to be replaced.

"You called me Master Tobho?" she asked.

"Ah San there you are, this young man here has a problem with one of his horse shoes can you tell me what is wrong with it?" he asked her.

She looked down at the horse shoe in the boy's hand and she found herself smiling. She knew what was wrong with the shoe instantly.

"Pardon me but is your horse from the country side?" she asked.

"Ya, what difference does it make?" asked the boy who looked no older then ten and four. His face confused as Sansa looked at the shoe in particular.

"Well the shoe I am holding is too light for your horse. Unless your horse races a lot this one is not meant for a horse such as the one you are giving this shoe to," Sansa replied.

"I use my horse for the farm he is not a race horse," the boy replied.

"Then you should have given him a heavier shoe so that his feet don't become lame from wear and tear," Sansa replied as she handed the shoe back to the boy.

"What would you know you are a girl!" the boy said his noise sticking out and defiant.

"You will watch your mouth boy," Master Tobho said to him and the boys forgetting the older man was with them quickly backed away. They quickly ran off back the way they came with the shoe. Huffing Tobho turned towards Sansa, "I am sorry for what the boys said."

Sansa giggled, "Don't be, I am used to boys from other places calling me other names as well as declaring that I can't do anything."

"Well we just have to….oh dear," he said and just as he said it Sansa turned her head and her face went pale at the sight of Ser Gregor.

The man was just as imposing as he was the first time she met him. He rode on a large destrier horse his form casting large shadows in the street. Many people rushed to get out of his way as he made his way over with a group of rough looking men. Sansa stood her ground when he finally stopped by the smithy and gotten off of his horse. His large form took in Sansa's much smaller frame.

"My little girl you are still as brave as you were the day I met you," he said to her and Sansa felt frightened but she stood her ground. She was a warrior and warriors don't run from a fight no matter how frightened they are.

"We are honored to have you Ser Gregor," she said making sure to keep her responses curt and not elegant like those of a noble lady.

"Where is my armor!" he demanded and Sansa quickly showed him inside the smithy wasting no time with pleasantries. As she took him towards the back of the shop where her own smithy was kept. It was a surprise to see a look of interest on his face.

"It is too fancy!" he said looking at the armor.

"It may look fancy but looks are deceiving," Sansa said.

Ser Gregor quickly walked up to the armor and punched it with all his might. What surprised the knight was the fact that there was not a single dent on the armor. The three hounds shown brighter then they had before, but the armor didn't move. It was on a manikin that was made to the specifics of the Mountain's height and width. However not feeling satisfied he went towards the side where the spears were kept. Taking one in hand he proceeded to stab and target the armor. Then going for a sword he went to cleave it only for the sword to bounce back. There was no breaks in the armor no signs of scratches.

Startled and surprised the knight turned towards the small girl on the side, "Are you sure you made this armor?" he asked.

"As sure as I repaired the sword. You said three days and in three days I repaired your original armor and made it stronger," Sansa replied standing tall.

"Boy! Help me with the armor!" he shouted to a burly looking boy who looked no older then fifteen. Though his patched looks would mark him as a squire. The boy quickly rushed towards his side and together with another one of his men Ser Gregor put on the armor. He was even more surprised by the sheer shape that it actually fit him.

"It feels lighter then my old armor are you sure that this was from my original armor girl?" he asked Sansa.

"Yes sir I just tempered the steel a bit more to give it strength as I repaired it," she replied not telling him about her singing to it.

Sansa watched as Ser Gregor moved about in his new armor. He did not look as awkward as he did before hand and he certainly didn't look as if he would fall over anytime soon. In fact now he looks more like the predator he should be a hound that hunts men. But still he moved about as if he wasn't wearing armor. When he was done he had the boys take the armor off and walked towards the girl.

"You did well girl but I have one final test," he said holding out a dagger. This one was rusted and barely able to cut anything much less kill someone.

"You want me to work with it?" she asked.

"Aye, and this time I am going to watch," the Mountain replied.

Inside Sansa was nervous as heck but she didn't show. Instead she took the knife and dipped it in acid to remove any loose rust from the blade. Then took it to the grinder and started to work with it to remove the rust from the blade. The mountain watched the whole time. As he watched her work his eyes looked in wonder at how she cleaned the rust from the knife. Then she got a whet stone to sharpen it and clean it further. When she was done she even remade the handle which was already destroyed.

By the time she was done it was late and the sun had long since set in the west. When she presented the knife to him it was as if nothing had happened to it. Taking the knife from her hand he looked at its beauty and the sheen that shown from it. Testing it on his hairy forearm he smirked to himself when the blade cut through the hairs like butter. Sansa was very anxious when he did it and when he was done put the knife back in its sheath.

"So your words spoke true girl. You do know your way around metal for no woman would know how to sharpen a knife much less clean it. Boy! Bring my purse the lady deserves her payment," he said getting up from his seat on a bucket and walked towards the front of the booth. The men had already loaded the armor onto the wagon for transport back to the Red Keep. When they returned they held a heavy purse one so large that Sansa was sure that it would fall out of the bottom. Throwing it onto the table the Mountain stared at Sansa.

"You did good work girl no one has been able to work my armor since the smith who created it passed years ago. Who are you?" he asked.

"I am called San sir," Sansa replied.

"Until I need my sword sharpened again San," with that he got up and walked out leaving the bag on the counter. He got on his horse and began to ride towards the east where the Red Keep was. Breathing a sigh of relief she nearly collapsed to the ground but a pair of strong arms held her up.

"Easy there m'lady you had quite an ordeal," Gendry said as they helped Sansa towards a seat. Taking a seat she sat down and was offered a cup of tea. When she drank the tea her nerves began to fade and she once again felt calm. Taking deep breaths she steadied herself willing herself to calm once again. For Sansa did not want to worry the boys any further with her fears.

"You had made quite an impression on Ser Gregor with that armor and with that knife," Tobho said to her.

"I had to prove to him that I was the one who repaired his armor," Sansa replied feeling proud that she could prove a man wrong. It was not right for her to suddenly shy away and let someone else do her work. She was brought up better back in the North. Here in the South, in King's Landing, women were used mainly for breeding and child rearing not so much for other things. But Sansa is proving them wrong. By fixing the armor of Ser Gregor she made an impression on the king's most ruthless knight.

"But you proved him right," said Tobho as he put the sack down. It was a large sack with enough gold to feed them for a while. Taking a handful he put it in a smaller pouch before giving them to Sansa.

"Why don't you take the rest of the day off m'lady. You had worked hard these past few days so after you feel refreshed why don't you spend today and tomorrow off by exploring more of the city. I am sure no one will bother you then," he said.

Sansa gratefully took the money and was helped up by Gendry who supported her on weak legs now that the event was over. She felt she needed to rest for at least a few hours. She had been up all night as well as all day the day before working on the armor. With little sleep and a whole lot of work her muscles ached and were stiff. By the time she as helped into the bathing room the maid had already prepared a bath. Luckily for her the water was steaming which allowed her to soak her muscles in the hot water. The small fire on the side that warms the water also comes in handy as the maid helped with washing her hair. Sansa could not move at all due to the stress of working the forge and repairing the armor of Ser Gregor. It was lucky she did not have to make the armor from scratch or else she would have not slept at all.

"M'lady your arms are hard as steel that is a lot of stress for a woman," she said as she reached over and grabbed some oil from the side. Taking it into her palm she began to massage Sansa's arms and shoulders to loosen up the muscles. Sansa thought she had died and gone to heaven. Her muscles began to loosen from the stress. That combined with the hot water and the scent that the maid put in she was exhausted.

When she emerged she could barely walk as her legs felt like jelly. The maid had to help her dress and to bed. When she had laid there sleeping she could not help but feel as if her life in King's Landing was about to get more interesting.

SOMEWHERE ON THE GOLD ROAD

The distant howl of wild wolves alerted Arya that she was not alone on the Gold Road. Already traveling late at night the young Stark girl did not rest during the day. And since she spotted several thieves it was not safe to stay anywhere at night. Already Nymeria and Lady had grown to the size of regular horses and according to the Septa they will become larger still. Arya even read a passage in her book stating that Direwolves when bonded can grow as large as a warhorse to accommodate their human rider. Nymeria is already carrying Arya because of the fact that Arya is a lot smaller and lighter then her other siblings. The chilly winds of autumn told her that her house words are coming ever closer to the south.

But she and the wolves knew they needed to keep on moving avoiding the large contingencies of men from both the Crownlands and the Riverlands. She kept her distance as they traveled. Even when she crossed into several villages the people often thought of her as strange riding a wolf instead of a horse. But still Arya did stay at the occasional inn or two. Seeing as the wolves are still growing they would need to rest once in a while to regain their strength before moving on.

But as she looked up into the night sky the moon shown brightly above her she could barely make out the red comet that shown in the sky. It was a sign that the time of the Long Night is nearly upon them. And soon the realm of man is about to get a rude awakening.

Suddenly Nymeria stopped along with Lady. Both wolves were on alert as something darted through the bushes and the trees. They both started to growl low in their throats and Arya reached for her bow. As she knocked the arrow and prepared to fire another growling noise was heard. Then silently from the trees just off the side of the road was a wolf. It was not as large as Lady or Nymeria but it was a wolf none the less. Both direwolves had their ears back in warning as the wolf came closer. It stopped at one point looking at the three of them. Its fangs were bared and ready to attack but one look at all three and then the fangs retracted. It's ears pulled up and its tail started to wag. It then barked as if signaling someone.

Then out of the bushes more wolves revealed themselves seeing for the first time someone who rides a wolf. Arya slid off of Nymeria and approached the wolf. His wild eyes old and wise beyond his years. He snapped and snarled at Arya before finally relenting as she kept a safe distance her eyes soft to show she was not an enemy. Then slowly the wolf bowed low showing his respect to a wolf rider. Arya remembered what she had learned from her book by lowering her top half of her body but kept her eyes looking directly into the wolf's. It was their way of respect, the way of a wolf rider. One who is both wolf and man. When she returned to her normal posture the old wolf lifted himself up and it turns out that the entire pack had copied the old wolf. Getting up they all started to howl into the night sky. A sign of their respect.

Lady and Nymeria both began to howl to show their acknowledgment of the wolves. It was over when the old wolf looked back at them one final time before disappearing into the woods. The pack followed not far behind with one obviously younger wolf coming up to Arya and sniffed her outstretched hand before backing away and disappearing. Both direwolves raised their heads to acknowledge them before Arya relaxed again. She then gathered some wood to make small fire to keep herself warm. Nymeria and Lady both laid down to sleep beside the fire. Arya leaned closer to Nymera since she is after all her wolf. The direwolf in turn put her paws down to allow her to rest. Arya then grabbed her blanket to curl up and shut her eyes hoping tomorrow they would make it to the capital.

The next day brought new things for Arya as she gotten up to pack up her belongings. The fire had long since gone out and she made sure that it was completely out before she hid the ashes and removed the stones from their place. Making sure to keep everything hidden she saddled up Nymeria once again before riding off into the sunrise. The only thing that was left was nothing but dirt and a few paw prints in the mud.

KING'S LANDING

As the sun rose Sansa rose with it. She felt refreshed but at the same time a bit stiff from the long hours working the forges.

"How are you feeling Sansa," said Tobho as he sat there beside her bed.

"I feel as if the world had sat down on me with a horse," she said being honest.

"Well it certainly had after all the hard work you put into repairing the Mountain's armor," he said as he studied her for a bit.

"How long was I out?" Sansa asked suddenly concerned that she was not able to earn some pay.

"Only for a day and a night but you are fine. The boys knew that you worked tirelessly to complete that task. Everyone here in King's Landing knows Ser Gregor's temper. So it was wise of you to ensure that the armor was sound before giving it to him." Tobho replied as he poured a cup of water for Sansa. When she accepted she was grateful for the cup of cool water.

"So what happens now?" Sansa asked him curious to see what else is there to do.

"I think now you've paid your debt to me since the Mountain graciously paid you well. But the question remains are you going to work for me still, or are you going to go back North?" he asked.

Sansa had to think about it but she knew that if she wanted to go home she would need more then just a bag of coin. She needs weapons and food but as it stands the latter would be hard to come by.

"I think I will stick around for a while at least until I can get enough supplies to return home. But I should at least let my father know that I am safe," she said.

"I will arrange for that, there is a place not far from here that sends messages. Traders who specialize in message sending who often deal with information trading. You can write your message and send it there." Tobho said.

Sansa was thrilled to hear this and thanked the man before trying to get out of bed. Her legs felt like jelly as she began to walk towards the bath area. When she got in the maid had already warmed the bath for her as she lowered herself into the tub. The soothing hot water caressed her skin and loosened her muscles. Sansa felt herself relax as the blood began to flow back into her legs. As her muscles and joints loosened under the hot water she allowed herself some luxury before finally leaving the bath.

When she left the bath she dressed in some day clothes that she once again borrowed from the maid. Then she stretched her muscles and performed some of her forms to help her with her activities for the day. Taking this as her cue Sansa made her way out of the room and towards the main solar where everyone was finishing their plates. There a tray was waiting with food on it for her to eat. Some meat and cheese was there but little else. Sansa understood that even the master has his limits on food.

"How are you feeling Sansa?" Gendry asked her as he finished his food.

"I feel tired and drained but I should be able to do some things in the forge today," Sansa replied.

"You are not going to the forge today," said Tobho as he wiped his mouth with a cloth.

"Why?" Sansa asked.

"Because you spent three days working on this armor and your body has a need to heal. I've always made my boys take a few days off to recover from big projects like this. So for you m'lady you need to take some time off. And also you need new clothes those clothes from my maid my suit you for now but you need clothes of your own." Tobho said to her. Sansa nodded her thanks as she slipped on a pair of boots that were provided to her. Taking the coin in her purse she hid them in the maid's pocket before rising to get dressed for the day.

LATER

The many shops in King's Landing's Flea Bottom were full of people. The smell of human waste, garbage and fish littered the ground but Sansa by now had grown used to it. But as she looked around from the rooftops she decided to get her bearings by looking at the highest points. Since Flea Bottom smells like shit she moved on to the other districts in the city. Most preferably the areas where merchants sell their goods.

It was here that Sansa had made it to the Street of Looms an area within King's Landing that has shops specializing in clothes and materials needed to make clothes. Sansa needed this area to make her own clothes. Since she had seen the loom in the Maid's quarters she assumes that the maid comes here to get her materials needed to make the master's clothes. Leaping down from the rooftops she mingled into the crowd wanting to stay hidden from those who would want to rob her blind. Sansa had dyed her hair the color of night making it the same color as Jon's to hide her features. She also put on a hood to keep her face out of the bright light of the southern sun. By making herself blend in better she was able to move more freely without attracting attention.

As she looked through the shops she noticed several different strings used for the loom to make clothes. She had bought distinct colors of yarn as well as an embroidery ring and thread for her to use. She even had some clothes that she had bought that were already pre-made to allow her to return the maid's clothes. Thanking the merchants she moved on to the Street of Flour to get herself something to eat. What she never expected was the price of one piece of pastry such as her favorite lemon cakes to be so expensive.

As it was she moved on to someplace where she can rest and eat her lemon cakes. As she ate she was overwhelmed by the site of many people begging in the streets. Most of them were ordinary people like her trying to get by. The city watch in their golden armor only march on by occasionally kicking or shoving the downtrodden and the many beggars in the streets. One woman was there with her two children begging. Suddenly not feeling hungry Sansa walked up to the woman and handed her her lemon cakes as well as some coin to get her something to eat.

"Oh thank you but you need this just as much as I do," the woman said.

If only you knew Sansa thought.

"No, you need to feed your children more then myself and my needs," Sansa replied before walking off. The woman thanked her as she walked down the streets her tattered clothes helped to hide her.

Just as she was about to walk out of the Street of Flour and back onto the Street of Loom she saw something she rarely had ever seen outside of the North. It was in one of the cloth shops hanging on a shelf. As Sansa walked closer to it her eyes became large and her mind came to a standstill.

She could not believe it when she saw it.

"Something caught your eye ma'am?" asked the shopkeeper when he came up to the booth. Sansa was instantly chastising herself for letting her guard down.

"Yes, I was looking at those large spools you have up there," Sansa replied.

The man looked up at them and sighed, "Ah yes those I thought they were silk threads from Essos but they turned out to be from the North. Worthless I should say because I can't dye them to use on my loom," he said.

"How much is for one spool?" Sansa asked knowing the true value of the spools in which he spoke.

"One copper dragon for they are practically worthless," the man said.

"I'll take them all," Sansa said and offered him a gold coin in exchange," the man's eyes widened, "Ma'am surely you don't want something of a bit more value then some old thread from the North. You can't even work the colors you want into the string!"

"I want those spools and nothing else and just so you know I am from the North. I know Northern silk and I wanted to see something from home in so long," she said.

The man gave her the basket full of the silken threads. They were covered in dust and hardly anyone noticed. Sansa is ecstatic to seeing something from home. Frostback Spider silk is rare in the Southern Kingdoms but its value in the North is so much more then here in King's Landing. She took the silken spools and put them into the basket she had with her. They were large in comparison to ordinary spools of string which are used for stitching. She started to head back towards the Street of Steel where Tobho's Smithy is located.

As she walked towards the Street of Steel a scream could be heard. A few men from the nearby tavern were harassing a woman. She was trying to hold her clothes as they tore them up. People gave a wide berth to these men not even trying to help her.

"Come on now sweety why can't ya give me a taste of your fucken tits like how ya gaves him?" One of the men said to the woman as he held her in front of everyone.

"Don't you touch me!" the woman shouted and proceeded to slap him hard. The man had blood coming down from his mouth where she had struck him and his face shown the hand mark of her strike. Taking his tongue out and licking the blood he then struck the woman hard. She fell into the ground and held her face where a bruise was sure to take form.

Sansa who was watching felt her hackles rise at the sight of it. She looked around, but there was no city guard to police the event. There was no gold cloaks and the people fled from the scene. Sansa was there along with several other people who could not get out of the way or cleared the streets. The men continued to beat her until she could not take it no more. Walking over to the nearest stall she asked the merchant to hold her basket. Walking over to the group one man raised his fist to be struck only for Sansa to quickly grab him.

When he looked at the delicate hand that followed the fist she held his arm firm.

"Let go of me bitch!" he yelled at her.

"Leave her alone," Sansa growled the wolf in her appearing for the first time in a while.

"Go the fuck away bitch and don't look back," the man shouted to her. His friends grouped around her and Sansa wished she had a weapon but she can fight just a well without one.

"Hey Mouse it looks like this one is nothing more then a little girl! What says you girlie wanna play? Bet ya neva flowered yet!" he replied.

Sansa smirked as she placed her feet into a fighting stance. "How old are ya girlie?" the second man in the group asked he was taller then the first man but a lot thinner. The man to the right of him was a lot more muscled but smelled a lot like fish.

He is probably one of the fishermen that work around the bay Sansa thought.

"Look ya bitch either ya gets out of hea or we's going ta hafta take care of ya's afta dis bitch!" the third man said this one clearly much heftier and a lot meaner by his demeanor.

Sansa waited, "Fuck you!" she said taunting them.

"Dat's it wat ya say boys we teach dis brat a lesson!" the first one said as he was the first to come up to Sansa.

When he reached his hand out he found out really fast that Sansa was not an ordinary little girl. As soon as he laid a hand on her clothes she grabbed it with lightning quick fingers and pinched a pressure point just behind his thumb which caused his whole hand to go numb. She then held his thumb and twisted his hand back before kicking him in the groin and sending him flying back into his friends.

The men looked down at their fallen companion and then up at Sansa in surprise. By now the hood had fallen off and Sansa's black dyed hair shown. Her gray eyes however shown through with the wildness of the wolf that she truly was. But that was not to last as the men quickly gathered their wits after their companion fell withering in pain and quickly reached for their swords.

Sansa knew this fight was going to be rough.

The first man came charging with his sword drawn and slashed downwards towards Sansa. Sansa instead of ducking out of the way reached upwards with both hands and caught the sword in between. Surprised the man was not prepared for the girl as she also sent him flying by leaning backwards in backwards flip still holding the sword. The man went flying overhead and Sansa became the new wielder of the sword. Flipping it in her hand she gotten into another fighting stance. The third man came at her with his sword which she easily blocked.

Dodging around him he tried to slash again a few more times but Sansa's speed proved to be too much for him. She then ran up a wall and flipped over him. In his momentum to get her, he went face first into the wall. Using one hand she parried the blow of the second man who came back into the fight. Flipping the sword in a stabbing motion which was not familiar to the men, Sansa used it as a shield to defend against the first man who came back to his senses in a rage. He tried to strike low for her legs but she flip over him using the momentum to kick him in the head. The other two men came at her and one managed to knock the sword away from her. But as she kicked him in his right knee causing it to shatter from the cracking noise. The first man came again and she back flipped away from him as he slashed low hoping to get at her underbelly.

Sansa dodged him and did a duck and roll to retrieve the sword. Then as the two came at her at once she rolled her wrist deflecting a blow with the sword that should have crippled her. But instead the man was unbalanced and with the flat end of her sword she sent him sprawling to the ground. Before he could recover Sansa off balanced the second man with the sword's flat side and sent him flying towards the first. This caused the first man to fly into a wall and fell to the ground unconscious. That left one of the offenders.

Why do they always come in groups of three? She asked herself as the last man came at her.

Sansa rolled her shoulders as she ran towards him sword in hand. When he slashed down she bent backwards and used her flip to plant her feet under the chin of the final man and flipped him over sending him into the pile of bullies in the wall. When his back hit the wall he fell towards the ground in an unmoving heap. Walking towards them Sansa saw the first man start to regain his senses. She held the sword to his throat and the man instantly became alert.

"You will leave and never bother this woman again do you understand me?" she said making her voice sound almost like a growl.

The first man stared at the sword and then at Sansa.

"Who….who araya?" he asked.

"My name is of no consequence you are to leave and never bother this woman or anyone again understand?" she said. The man quickly nodded before he struggled to stand. Helping his companions they quickly left the square.

"What is going on here!" a voice shouted and several men appeared in golden plated armor. Sansa knew who they were the City Watch.

"They attacked her!" said a woman from across the street pointing to the group of men who went after Sansa.

"Aye, we saw them they attacked the woman and this girl saved her," said another person a man who came out of his home after witnessing the fight.

"They gotten beat up by a little girl and she was defending that whore," said another man this one with his family.

"Is it true?" he asked Sansa and the girl nodded.

"Where did they go?" asked the second Watchmen.

"That way down the alley they look like they were fishermen judging by the smell," Sansa replied and the first Watchmen sighed, "Sounds like Mikko's lot again looks like we are going to have to file a report with their boss," and with that they ran down the alley after the three men.

"Thank you!" the voice of the woman said as she came to Sansa and held her in a tight embrace. Sansa returned the embrace seeing as the woman was nearly raped and judging by her bloodied face and bruises she was beaten quite badly.

"We should get those looked at, where do you live?" Sansa asked.

"I live in one of the brothels near the Red Keep," the woman replied. Sansa quickly gathered her things including the sword that was dropped on the ground, before following the woman home making sure to keep an eye out for more trouble.

The Brothel the woman mentioned is just a ways away from the Street of Loom and Sansa followed the woman down a few alleys into the street. They had to cross back into the Street of Flour and then took a few more streets down into the heart of Flea Bottom. Then right at the junction of The Hook and Eel Alley was the main road to the Red Keep. But when she entered into the more richly housed neighborhood. Sansa could see why a brothel might be located here. It was at this location near the southern part of the city closest to the palace most of the nobility and rich merchants live. It was here that Sansa found the brothel that the woman was talking about. It blended in with most of the buildings of the street save for the mocking bird sigil on the door.

"Here we are," the woman said and stepped inside. Sansa quickly followed after her and what she found in this establishment was different then what she had mostly seen in most brothels.

There were women everywhere, most of them were of course naked for their customers with scantly anything on except a few jewels to make them more enticing. There wee even some men there too. All of them dressed in extravagance and some had intoxicating perfumes on them. There were some folks that were completely covered in rag working the floors and changing the sheets. The sounds of babies and children could be heard out towards the back of the establishment and from what Sansa could guess were the children of the various whores who live in this establishment.

Now Sansa is no stranger to brothels for there are several in Wintertown back home in the North. Her father of course runs the brothels collecting half the money they make and the other half goes to the women or men who work in them. This pays for their expenses as well as childcare should any of them forget to take moon tea.

Here in King's Landing however is a different story. From what she understands in her studies the brothels in King's Landing are run and operated by private owners and it is they who get rich and none of it goes to the crown. If only they could take half of it, she thought then it would solve a whole lot of problems.

"This way," the woman said and led Sansa further down the hallway were the rooms became more extravagant. The sounds of men and women in various rooms filled her ears as she passed many whores are many customers before coming to the main room. There was even music playing somewhere in the building and she could hear the soft sounds carrying through the rooms.

Sansa was led to a different part of the brothel house. Here the extravagance was non existent and instead it was a more homely feel. There were children and older women tending to the needs of the various whores that worked the home. Some washing clothes, some sheets, others were cleaning and feeding the various children that came running through the brothel. The boys were kept as servants while the girls were being taught how to please their hosts.

A sick way to do things, Sansa thought as she worked her way towards the very back where a very old woman was tending to her friend.

"By the Gods Precilla what happened!" a voice shouted and Sansa turned to find another woman running towards them. She was rather portly but her homespun dress and apron showed that she was not one of the whores of this establishment. Instead she must be one of the servants at least that is what Sansa mused.

The woman quickly rushed up to the woman in front of Sansa and quickly checked her face as well as her body. Seeing the bruises she quickly ushered two more girls into the room to help her head towards the back. That was before she turned towards Sansa. When she saw Sansa's face and the sword in her hand she was taken back by the glow of Sansa's silvery eyes from beneath her hood.

"What happened?" she asked.

"My friend here saved my life Georgia so go easy on her," the woman named Precilla replied. The woman Georgia turned to Sansa. She looked her up and down before offering her a seat. The seat itself was not one of those normally used by the girls. It was one normally used for servants with its hard seating and back.

"Here now have a seat I'll fetch you some water and maybe something to eat," Georgia said and vanished around the corner. Precilla returned with the two women and an old woman who looked far older then any of the girls in the establishment. Slowly Precilla also sat next to Sansa and it was here that she was being subjected to some immediate medical care. The old woman started pulling things such as a mortar and pestle to grind the herbs that she brought with her. She then started to gather some of the plants she had and mix them together. Then she started administering them to the various bruises around Precilla's now naked body.

"I didn't get to properly thank you for rescuing me," Precilla said to Sansa as the old woman moved from the bruises to the various cuts on Precilla's body especially the deep gash on her face.

"Hold still Precilla I am trying to get this last one on your face," the woman said as she bore a needle and thread to the woman Precilla's face. The woman wanted to scream at the pain she was in and Sansa bit back the instinct to hit a pressure point to deaden the pain. However the woman was quick seeing as she probably had experience before and stitched Precilla up nicely. The stitches were tight enough to allow healing, but the way she did it had made sure that when the wound does heal there won't be a really bad scar.

"You know men love women with scars," Sansa said speaking up.

"Says you, your a Northwoman aren't ya?" the old woman said looking at Sansa.

"Yes, I am San I work at Tobho's smithy down the street," Sansa replied.

"Oh I've heard of ya! The girl who can make the Mountain kneel with the armor she forged in her smithy. No man has ever earned the respect of Ser Gregor. And no woman has ever escaped his wrath. But I thought it was the word of fools when they stated that a woman forged his armor. I see ya now you don't look like much," the woman replied.

"Gamy please! San here just beat da crap out of dem boys down in the Street of Flour. I saws it myself she came out of nowhere with dem fists and look," she said pointing to Sansa's sword, "She even kept da sword da man has left behind," she said to her.

"Aye, I have to say I never saw a woman hold a sword like dat. Tell's me do you know how to use it?" The old woman Gamy asked. Sansa nodded her affirmation.

"Ha! Knew it, I knew dem fighter types when I see's it!" she said to her.

Just as she said it the door to the back room opened and a finely dressed man entered. Sansa saw that he had two other scantly dressed girls with him, but from the way he carried himself and the way they addressed him she could only guess that he was the brothel owner. He moved towards Precilla and examined her face and her naked body.

"Who did this to you," he said in a finely cultured voice. His accent Sansa picked up quickly as a noblemen from the Vale. That much was obvious but she don't know what house he was from as he does not have any sigils on his clothes.

"Just some men from the pub down on the Street of Flour sir. Was on my way back from the client's house when they jumped me. If it wasn't for this young woman here I would have been killed. She beat dem men up for me," she said.

The man rose up to look at Sansa who kept still. He had the gaze of a predator stalking his prey when he approached. He looked her up and down trying to assess the situation.

"Who are you girl?" he asked slowly.

"I am San," Sansa replied.

"San? Tobho's apprentice? I've heard of you from some of the men that come into my establishment. They said that you were the one who forged Ser Gregor's armor?" he replied. His voice was smooth as silk but to Sansa it felt like oil on water and it made her skin crawl.

"Yes, I am she, I spent three days and three nights forging the armor to be what it is now," she said proudly.

"I see," the man replied as he beckoned Sansa to follow him.

She walked behind him as he walked through the establishment towards his office. It was up the stairs towards the third floor of the three story establishment. As soon as Sansa walked through the hanging beaded entrance there was a large desk that was next to the door while a large couch was just on the opposite wall. Well cushioned seats were everywhere and the smell of pungent perfumes filled the room with its fragrance.

"I apologize for the smell I had a very bad incident with a customer earlier that the maids had to clean up," he said and Sansa looked down and noticed a bit of brown stain still lingering. She said nothing as she looked up at the man as he slowly sat down behind his desk. He looked Sansa up and down noticing the sword still in her hand.

"That is not your sword isn't it?" he said.

"No sir it is not," Sansa replied keep an eye on the man in front of her as well as listening to the noise behind her.

"You don't have to worry I am not here to punish you. In fact I am here to thank you for the safe return of one of my girls. Those men have been harassing them for sometime in that area of the city. When I have a customer in that area who wants a private audience with one of my girls I try to hire someone to escort them to the area. Tell me did you notice any bodies anywhere or any other men nearby with weapons?" he asked.

"No sir I've haven't seen any, in fact she was alone sir," Sansa replied remembering to slur her words to make it sound as if she was of the lower classes.

"I see," the man said and went to write something down on a piece of paper. Sansa had no doubt that the message he was writing was for someone to deal with the woman's bodyguards.

"I will will have to arrange for something of a reward if that is what you would want," he said. His oily voice filled her ears but she was well versed in speech-craft something from her lessons back in Winterfell.

"All I want was to ensure that the lady was brought back safe sir. For it is not right for someone to leave a woman's side if she needs an escort," Sansa replied standing tall. The man eyed her again taking note of the way Sansa held her sword to the way her feet were planted. He also took note of the well muscled arms and legs that Sansa had exposed. She still held the basket that had her silk thread and even that impressed the man.

"You look like someone who has worked the forges all her life, yet you seemed to be well established in the fighting arts," the man said looking at her again.

"My father was a soldier for Lord Stark and since he has no sons he trained his two daughters instead," Sansa replied holding her head up high and standing her ground.

"Your father?" the man asked curiously.

"Yes, you would not know him sir he was lowborn, a common soldier, He died a while ago of a fever. My sister and I separated hoping to make ends meet to work off my fathers debts. I came here while she went elsewhere looking for work," Sansa replied.

"Does this work involve blacksmithing?" the man asked.

"Yes, my sister and I were taught by my father. Like I said he had no sons so he wanted to pass on his skills to us for a trade," Sansa replied standing tall.

"So he taught you both how to forge a sword and how to use it, how interesting. You see when I heard from one of my customers that Tobho had acquired a female apprentice I thought it was laughable. Till I later discovered that she repaired the armor of Ser Gregor Clegane making it stronger and lighter for him to use. He was grateful of course spent a few hours here in my establishment. He bragged about it for hours even got his name engraved on the inside of the armor which I no doubt you learned from your father," the man said.

"Aye, I did he taught us how to read it was something he learned when he was growing up on Bear Island. He along with my grandfather before him and so forth had always taught their sons how to read. But when my father had no sons we were taught instead. But since Bear Island is famous for its warrior women he thought that it would be good to teach us how to fight as well as make weapons," Sansa replied smoothly.

"I see," the man said leaning back against the large chair that he created.

"Did I offend you sir?" Sansa asked dipping her head to the side to see him from a side view.

"No, I was just curious because you mentioned your father but not your mother why?" he asked and Sansa knew where this is going. He was questioning her motives to see if she would slip up on her lie. But she was prepared and kept the story as it was.

"My mother died sir during childbirth to my sister. The birthing fever took her and she perished a day after she gave birth," Sansa replied.

"I am sorry for your loss then," the man replied.

"Thank you sir," Sansa replied.

"You keep calling me 'sir' when I am a 'lord' why is that?" the man finally asked as Sansa looked down towards the floor something commoners do when addressing the nobility.

"I am sorry m'lord I had no idea! I thought you were just a manager for this establishment?" Sansa replied to him.

The man sighed as he leaned back on the chair, "I apologize for my behavior I am used to more upscale customers and clients. But you are not a client but a guest and as such I need to make my apology now for such horrible interrogations on my part," the man said. He stood up and walked towards the front of his desk. Sansa stood her ground as he leaned against it. His thin frame looked small compared to the size of the desk.

"You don't know how much my girls mean to me San. And to have them hurt like that hurts me even more then it hurts my business. I care for my girls and I just wanted to see that they are being taken cared of as well. Precilla was supposed to be escorted by two guards to and from the clients home. Why they left is unknown but I will look into it. Had you not been there on time I would have been very worried and probably had to deal with her death. When she came back late I was about to send the city guard to look for her. But seeing as you returned her to me makes me feel a whole lot better," the man said.

"What will you do with the men if you find them?" Sansa asked him.

"I will deal with them when the time comes. But for now I want answers from them," the man said and turned to go back behind his desk.

"Am I free to go now m'lord?" Sansa asked him.

"Not yet, I still haven't given you a reward for helping Precilla return home," the man replied.

"Oh no sir I….surely don't deserve it," Sansa replied playing meek and submissive.

"Nonsense you helped me so let me give you something in return," he said being insistent.

"Oh no sir! I was just helping a lady in need for that is what my da always taught me as such," Sansa replied trying to downplay any part in gaining a reward of any sort.

"Oh, alright," the man relented, "Why don't we just put in a favor I owe you then shall we?" he said and offered his hand. Sansa then took his hand being careful not to squeeze too hard to show that she had strength.

"Quite a grip you got there," he said to her.

"Sorry that is from working the forges," Sansa replied to him looking into his dark brown eyes. He became unnerved by her silvery gray eyes as they released and she took this as her cue to leave but before she did.

"I am sorry m'lord, but I never asked for your name?" Sansa asked.

"Oh I am sorry where are my manners you can call me Petyr, Petyr Baelish," he said and Sansa nodded before she exited the building and made her way back towards the Street of Steel.

LATER

"How was your day out San," said Gendry when Sansa returned.

"It was eventful to say the least," Sansa replied. As she went to the table to eat the food presented to her by the maid.

"Did you get some new clothes?" Tobho asked.

"Yes, and I did get some thread to start making my own," Sansa replied as she presented the basket of silk yarn.

"Interesting planning on using the loom I would assume?" Tobho replied and Sansa nodded an affirmative to him. Happy to help he finished his meal in silence while Sansa told Gendry and the others what happened during her day. They were excited to hear about how she saved a whore from some nasty fishermen and how Lord Baelish rewarded her with a favor.

At the mention of Lord Baelish, Tobho lowered his goblet to the table slowly and it did not go unnoticed by Sansa, "Is there anything wrong Master Tobho?" she asked him.

"You said you saved one of Lord Baelish's girls is that correct?" he stated and with Sansa's nod he looked her directly in the eye, "Lord Baelish is the King's Master of Coin a man steeped in connections throughout the city. To earn his favor means that you have put yourself in a position where you can be discovered. Just be careful next time alright Sansa," he said and Sansa nodded her understanding, "I will sir."

"Good, just be wary of him and all the other high lords. They are not as honorable as those in the North. Here they are snakes and vipers in the grass. So be mindful of what you do should you need anything. The only good thing out of it is that you are now in his good graces since you saved his precious whore. If there is one thing Lord Baelish cherishes is his whores. They are his eyes and ears in the city and if you tell them a story you must stick to it. They are a savory lot here and so are the children in the streets. They serve the Spider, the King's Master of Whispers. When I made this establishment I had to learn how to find the right people for work. As long as they are loyal things go good for me and them. If not then...this place is a viper's nest and at any minute someone will come and cut you out of it." he warned her.

Sansa nodded her understanding knowing all to well the Game of Thrones being played in the city. Excusing herself she went to the bathing room she shares with the maid to have a bath drawn. After bathing she went to the other area she shared with the maid where the loom was kept. It was a simple loom with two wooden straps for the person using it to attach the first layers of string before the weaver weaves designs in them. However Sansa needs to do some work on her silken threads before she can begin to use the loom.

Ah gross they have to be washed no wonder the weaver saw them as useless! She thought as she looked at her rolls. Indeed the silken threads looked discolored and dirty meaning Sansa has to spend a good deal of time cleaning them.

Luckily for her she had thought about it before hand and bought the right ingredients for the job. Reaching into her basket she pulled out a jar of powder from the basket. Also in it was another jar with a different substance one that had a pungent odor. Using the washroom as a place to clean her silken threads she pulled out other ingredients as well. Taking the others into a mortar and pestle she began to grind the plants and small stones into a thick paste. Then taking the two jars of powders she began to mix it into the mixture. That began to give it a soapy texture in it.

Perfect she thought as she went to the basin she had the silken threads in. Pouring water that she had gathered from the well and boiling it in the nearby fire. Sansa then heaved the heavy pot up and toward the basin. Pouring the water into the basin she then added the mixture until the water started to boil and froth.

Then she took the spools of silk and began to soak them into the mixture to clean them.

There, they should soak for a few days then afterwards I can finally add color to them and weave them into proper clothes, she thought as she prepared for bed.

As she headed up the stairs she informed the maid to leave the basin as it is to let the spools soak. She explained the reason for it and the maid nodded her head in understanding stating that she had to do the same for sheep's wool back where she was from. As soon as that was done with that she retired for the night having a long day ahead of her and more to come soon afterward.

SOMEWHERE OUT ON THE KING'S ROAD

Arya moved like a shadow. After losing the men who were following her for sometime she and the wolves disappeared into the forest far from the roads and hoping to make the men follow her. From their clothing they were Lannister men but from the rough appearance of the armor they were not the normal men.

Either they are bandits who had stolen armor from Lannister guards or they are deserters of the Western Army, she thought as she hid deep in the shadows of the trees. Nymeria blended well with the foliage while Lady waited on the other side. She hid well in the underbrush hoping to catch the men off guard. But Arya held her hand out to signal to the wolves as silently as possible.

Hold your ground she thought to her wolf. She remembered her lesson with the book that the direwolf can understand your thoughts and emotions. They can understand words as well if they are bonded. However they can't speak to you because they lack the proper vocals to do so. They can let you know how they are feeling by using body language and tail motions.

Arya saw the single tail wag from the distance meaning that Lady understood the signal. They waited till the men past but all she could hear was their complaints about potential slaves and a man named Euron.

Euron where did I….Wait they must be Ironborn. By the Gods these bastards must have stolen the armor from some Lannister soldiers! Arya thought as she readied her bow. Holding it out she readied her arrow for the right moment to strike.

There were about ten men in total all of them wearing armor. But Arya knew the many weakness in the armor and the leg was one of them.

The other was the horse.

Letting her arrow loose she struck the horse in the rear of the group. The animal screeched in pain before throwing its rider from its back. The man fell right when the others pulled out their weapons. It was now that Arya unleashed a long howl as the signal she was waiting for. Lady who was on the far side charged along with Nymeria leaving Arya in the trees where she was hiding. Taking another arrow she took aim before unleashing it onto one of the men who happened to turn around. The small opening where his mouth is was just enough for the arrow to penetrate. The man choked on his own blood as he fell from the horse.

Another man was brave enough to pull out his weapon and started to go for the wolves. But Arya had the element of surprise and shot him in the knee. He went down right when Nymeria leaped onto him finishing the job by tearing into his throat, knocking off is helmet, and then separating his head from his body. In the time it took to plan the ambush it took about ten minutes. One minute per man before there was only one person still standing. He was struggling to get free as the bounds in front of him were any indication. He looked in fear as the wolves came closer their muzzles covered in blood and dripping on the forest floor.

He cowered until Arya appeared between them her arrows had been retrieved as she approached the man before her.

"Who are you?" he asked her as she knelt down face to face.

"The question is, who are you?" she asked him.

"Please I just want to go home to my family those men, I don't know where they came from. They took me to shut me up I swear it," he said crying as both wolves growled low. Arya had her knife out and pointing at his throat, "Why didn't they kill you?" she asked.

"Its the wolves m'lady they were interested in the wolves. One of them said he recognized the white one from Bear Island. Said he nearly gotten out alive. When they took me they were going to kill me until they saw her. Please! I am begging you I just want to go home!" he was clearly crying now and Arya saw that he was indeed telling the truth.

Taking her knife she cut his bindings and the man quickly ran off into the woods. Both wolves stood beside her she quickly gathered her things and leaped onto Nymeria's back once again, "Let's make sure he gets home safely," she said and both wolves took off after the man. When they caught up to him Lady got in front cutting him off from escape. Startled he turned towards Arya.

"It would be faster if you get on her back she won't bite," she said to him.

The man was shaking, "Are you sure? I saw her take out a whole group of those men?" he said remembering that Arya mentioned the wolf was a 'she.'

"They won't kill you unless I command it and should any harm come to me they will kill whomever is responsible," Arya replied.

Lady lowered herself to the ground a clear invitation to the man and with Arya's insistence slowly climbed onto the wolf's back. Raising herself to her full height the direwolf was ready to ride.

"Where is your home Mister?" she asked.

"Argus, m'lady I am just Argus and my home is about a league from here," he said pointing towards the west. It would delay Arya's search, but if someone needs help she was not going to deny him. Taking this as a cue she urged Nymeria towards the west the wolf was glad for the run and bounded westward down the road once again.

LATER

After ensuring that Argus was going to be alright Arya backtracked back down the road towards where she had left the bodies. By now the stench would have attracted animals to the kill since they were located so far off the road. When she returned it was with luck that not many animals had started to clean the carcasses. She then began to search the bodies looking for any clues as to why they were following her. So far she found nothing but that doesn't mean anything as far as she was concerned.

It was not until she had gotten to her third body that she saw for sure that these were not Lannister men. The third man's armor was clearly not fitting properly as it should for a common soldier. Rolling him over the armor came off easily falling to the side leaving the man's true clothing exposed. Grey homespun clothes and a light dusting of salt and from what she could tell the man reeked of fish.

Definitely Ironborn, Euron Greyjoy must be searching for Sansa as well, if not he sure as hell making an effort to have his men dress like Lannister soldiers, she thought and knowing she would have to inform her father when she gets to King's Landing Arya wasted no time on getting back on Nymeria.

"Let's go girl," she said and both wolves took off once again down the road towards the East where in just a day's time she would get to the King's Road that would take her to King's Landing. She just hopes that Sansa is still there.

TBC

Thank you all for reading this far into the story. We are now getting into the more fun parts with Sansa and Arya. Things are really starting to heat up out there and because they never went to the capital with their father. The war of the five Kings would have to be altered in a way to compensate for that difference. But you will have to keep reading to find out more. And please don't forget to leave a review and remember no FLAMES, BASHINGS, LORE MONGERS, CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM ONLY!

Thank you