DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO HBO AND GEORGE R. R. MARTIN
A/n: Ok now things are starting to get interesting and I enjoyed every last review that you gave me with your support of this story. The amount of followers and favs has risen so much in the two years this story has been out. It has been two years! Wow I am impressed that I am still keeping up with this story while waiting for season 8 to come out on DVD.
But anyhow I digress so last chapter we had Arya just getting into the city by the sewers. Only to discover that the old pots of Wild Fire are still here and had never been removed. As for Sansa she is just now experiencing what Joffrey is really doing to the people by having lighter rations with the Smith and his apprentices. The upcoming war with all three Baratheons is surely to make things more interesting in the capital. People are starving and she is preparing for war.
So that is the recap of the last chapter. So without further a do we go on to the second to the last chapter of Sansa's arc. So here we go folks and please remember to leave a review and no FLAMES, LORE MONGERS OR BASHINGS PLEASE! Thanks for keeping up and following the story you guys are the best.
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 20: The Stark Sisters Reunited at Last
KING'S LANDING
Arya had been scouring the city for hours. Searching for any signs or clues to Sansa's whereabouts. The wolves, disguised as abused horses try to keep to the scent but so far nothing. When Arya tried to describe Sansa no one would know who she is or where she came from. She even went as far as going to the brothels to find her. But so far nothing was turned up. Disappointed she went to find herself an inn to stay in. As she made her way further into the city she came across an inn with the door missing. City guards came in and out of the city looking for things.
What is going on? She thought as she led the wolves towards the stables. When she gotten there the stables at least were clean so the wolves could rest and recover. But she urged them not to clean themselves. Human waste is not good for wolves and it could make them sick.
"Besides who knows if that chemical is still on you girl," she said to Nymeria who only whined about the substance on her body.
"I know it stinks, but you have to leave it on a little longer I promise," she said and handed both her and lady buckets filled with fish and some meat that she had thankfully caught. The only thing available is rats and King's Landing is full of rats.
Both wolves ate their fill even with the fake noses still on their bodies. Arya quickly lifted them up to allow them to eat and then she made her way towards the inn itself.
When she entered the innkeeper was busy cleaning his glasses with a dirty rag, "Wat can I getcha?" he asked her and Arya thankfully has some money that she had taken from the Ironborn to help with paying for the room.
"A room for one please and a warm bath," she said and the man quickly yelled something in the back and she watched as a young woman went to get something warm.
"So wat's a little girl like ya doing hea by ya self?" he asked her as he prepared some stew for her. Thankfully there were no rats yet in the food, but by the watery taste Arya could tell there was hardly any food to go around.
"I am looking for my sister," Arya replied. She noticed that several men were looking in her direction most of them older men and their intentions were not good. She glared at them and then looked down at their meals.
"Ya sister? Ya not from around hea I can tell by ya voice," he said. Arya rolled her eyes, "No I am not and I prefer it that way," she said and the man nodded before he left to finish his other duties namely dealing with the man who had fallen asleep and spilled his drink all over the counter. Arya eyed the men across the room their clothes suggested men who had no political standing. They are not even guards more like men out for a good time...and a quick fuck.
Even if that fuck was her.
Taking that as her cue she went up towards her room taking the key with her. She opened the door and let herself into the room. It was small to say the least and with no place to bathe. There was a bed that smelled like something died in it and what passed for a wash basin. The place smelled of mold and shit and she had not time to dwell on necessities. Using the chamber pot Arya went to the nearby bed. It smelled, but it was someplace to sleep. But knowing what she saw in the Inn she was not taking chances. Using the pillows she made herself look like she was sleeping. Then looking up at the rafters she saw that since she was on the top she has access to the roof.
Opening the window she climbed out onto the rooftop. Closing it behind her she went to the very top and waited. As she waited she wanted to see for herself if anything would happen below her in her room. So she waited with a knife ready just in case.
She was proven right more then two hours later when she heard the door open to her room. She had some how fallen asleep when she heard the door creak open. As she waited she could hear the two men enter the room. The sounds of armor chinking in the dark was the sign she needed. She made her way to the window and listened in, being careful not to be noticed.
"Where the fuck is she?" asked one voice and Arya snickered.
"She's gone!" said another and she heard footsteps approach, so she quickly climbed out of the way and hid when she heard someone open the window. She could make out the silhouette of the man looking out into the darkness. She snickered as he cursed at the others. Arya waited patiently for them to scour her room. She was smart enough to hide her things with the wolves before she made her way to the inn. When they left grumbling about no one around she finally crept back into her room. When she got there the door opened again, but Arya knew it was not the men for the footsteps were light and the sound of sloshing water could be heard.
"Ma'am your bath is ready," The servant girl said to Arya. Arya nodded as she followed the woman out.
A FEW MINUTES LATER
The water was steaming but at least it was clean and so was the tub. Arya washed herself first with the cold water from the extra bucket before slipping into the steaming waters of the tub. The bath is meant for those who can afford it so Arya allowed herself the pleasure of soaking in the hot bath. The aches and pains from the road washed away as she let herself slip into the relaxing waters. Reaching for her small pack on the side she felt for some salts she carried. Taking a pinch with her dried hand she sprinkled some into the water. The rich aromatic scent filled the room and allowed her to sooth her muscles. She looked at the cuts and scrapes she had taken while on the road and knew that she had to clean them before infection slips in. Luckily for her she had ointments that prevented them from getting infected that she had brought with her from home.
It took sometime, but when she left the tub she was relaxed and clean. Making sure that she leaves the water for the servant she quickly returned to her room after washing her clothes. The Frostback Spider Silk clothes serves as armor. In the south it was called Mythril because it looks and feels like clothes but try to hit it with an arrow or a sword. It would be as strong as armor.
Arya then made her way to her room with some clean clothes on. Taking the ones she washed she hung them on the chair and the bed posts to dry. Taking a knife and hiding it under her pillow and another around her arm she quickly curled up to sleep.
THE NEXT MORNING
The next morning had Arya dressed and leaving with the wolves. After insuring that the men who had tried to abduct her was gone she made her way into the nearby market place….if one were to call it that.
This place is empty, she thought as she looked at the nearly empty stands. What vendors that have merchandise are few and far between. Those that used to sell food are gone or nearly gone, their stocks are rotting and the vendors themselves looked frightened. Arya had never seen this much fear in her life. The only time she witnessed something like this was the refugee groups back in the North. Especially among the Ironborn in Dragon's Cove village. She walked through the streets with a small rope connecting to the wolves to keep up the disguise as horses. But everywhere she looked there are people starving.
"Hey there miss," said a raspy voice.
Arya turned her hand in her pocket holding her knife. In front of her was an old man and his wife. His bones were clearly showing and his steps creaked as he walked. His knees cracked and popped, but he held himself firm against a walking stick.
"What do you want?" Arya asked glaring at the man.
"Ye, got some fine horses there. I am willing to take them off ya hands if ya want," he said showing blackened teeth.
Arya resisted the urge to vomit, "They are not for sale," she said. To emphasis this the wolves tarted to growl low in there throats. This frightened the man as he gazed into the golden eyes of the two direwolves. Backing away in fear he and the several people who followed him slowly moved away allowing Arya to move further down the street.
But everywhere she looked there were people showing signs of starvation and yet not one noble is out giving food to the poor.
You don't see this in Wintertown that is for sure she thought.
TOBHO'S SMITHY
Sansa was covered in sweat as she finished her latest suit of armor. It has been a while since she started working in the forges again. But with the rising sun and her new clothes to work with she was more then happy to get back to work.
The fire rat clothes proved most useful when working the forges. They kept the body cool and protected the wearer from the harsh fires of the forge. She even used her gloves to grip the hot metal from the forge and work the hammers to shape it into the steel she was looking for. But today brought some unfortunate events that not even she could control.
One of the events that came today was the amount of people begging on the streets. Food rations within the last two days has gone down and Sansa found herself going to bed hungry. But such things is not without its concerns. Mainly because of the amount of people starting to fill the streets begging or stealing food from those who could afford it. Their maid also felt the pinch when she was nearly mobbed by several angry people. Luckily for her she knew the streets better then some of the people and had taken an alternate route home.
"It is getting more and more harsh sir," the Maid said to Master Tobho. She held the basket of what little food she could get, but by appearances even they are going to have to be thrown out.
"I understand if you want to leave for the streets are no longer safe," said Master Tobho one day.
"I understand m'lord, but I made a promise and I intend to keep that promise," the Maid replied. Sansa felt touched that a maid could hold such loyalty to her master. She had seen it back in Winterfell and as such the maid was only concerned for her master's well being. When she left Sansa felt that she really needed to forge her weapons to make sure the man who kept her safe was returned the favor. The capital was no longer safe for them, but she was sure that if she had her proper weapons she would be able to keep them safe and the forge secure.
But such events are down the line as more and more people had taken to begging. Which leads to the second thing that happened today.
It was around mid-morning when it happened. Gendry had been working on a sword for one of the city watchmen when shouting could be heard in the streets. Sansa, Gendry and the other apprentices looked up to see a group of people attack a merchant on his way to the market. The man obviously was selling baked goods from the Street of Flour and was savagely attacked by several people. They threw him off and took off with both his wagon and his horse. Gendry was the first to run into the street followed by Sansa and the rest of the apprentices. Shocked and scared some of them carried newly forged weapons with them. But not far behind the thieves the City Watch ran after the them to try and bring order back to the city.
"Are you alright sir," said Gendry as he helped the man up.
"Aye, thank you young lad," the man said as the other boys helped him up.
"Sir, you know it is not safe to deliver bread through the streets," Gendry warned as they helped him into the shop. As they walked him in Sansa kept her eye out on the street. She knew that there are more thieves then there are people to protect their livelihoods.
"Aye I know, but I had to make my rounds," said the merchant. He was a portly man, or once was a portly man if the loose mounds of skin have anything to do with his current predicament. Sansa had seen it with others too around the town. Men and women are starting to feel the pinch of the royal penchant. The palace is planning something and something has to be done.
ARYA
It was Lady who rose her head up first. The wolf had long since been following a scent for sometime. Arya was certain it was Sansa. The wolf's nose is a lot keener then hers so she was able to pick up on Sansa's scent. Leaving her head to the ground like a lost horse Arya led Lady through the streets. The wolf would turn her head in a direction and that is where Arya would follow.
There was one point where Nymeria would look at certain people and a growl would leave her throat. It was with luck that the eye guards that prevented her from looking around would prevent her from lunging after potential enemies. Arya walked alongside Nymeria to keep up the pace that she was a pack horse. The grime and dirt kept up the disguise and thankfully it rarely rains in the King's Landing unlike further south in the Stormlands where for sure her cover would be blown.
Luckily for her the two wolves knew how to behave in the city. Arya knew they longed for the forest or the wild country of the North, but here they have to find Sansa. The eerily busy streets lacked something that other towns and villages had...animals. The only animals here are horses and donkeys that the many traders would bring in. Arya looked around again having this sense of someone watching. Then again she was warned that King's Landing is a pit of vipers with everyone reporting to the palace as much as possible.
Everyone has a motive here in the city even if it is something as simple as getting food for the family. She kept her hand near her sword under her cloak. Just then Lady made a turn down another street. Arya and Nymeria followed behind the lighter colored wolf. She kept her usual trot down to hide the fact that she was not a horse but a predator.
It was the sounds of metal that instantly gave Arya a sense of where Lady was heading.
SANSA
"Hey you horse! Get out of here!" someone shouted.
Sansa stood up to look out from where she was hammering away at a broken piece of armor when she saw the ugliest horse she has ever seen. It was sniffing the stall with its long nose. One of the apprentices tried to shoo it away but it kept sniffing. It wasn't until he started to hit the horse that it started to growl. Sansa quickly rose from where she was working towards the boy.
"Don't hit it!" she scolded and the boy stood straighter, "But San that horse will not go away and it is scaring the customers," he said to her. When the horse looked up it was then that Sansa immediately got a sense of something from her past. A flash of something familiar. It was then that the horse's owner made herself known. A small hooded figured followed by another such horse. Sansa's eyes went wide with the recognition.
"San, San what is it?" said a voice. She turned to find Gendry walking out with the master.
"What is going on here?" he asked.
"San told me not to shoo away this pesky horse," said the apprentice.
"I would not hit this horse if I were you," the hooded figure said. It was then that Sansa saw a flash of dark eyes and knew instantly who it was.
"Ari?" Sansa said out loud. The girl pulled back her hood to reveal the long face and dark hair. Sansa put her hands to her mouth as tears began to pour from her eyes. Both sisters stared at each other before rushing in for a long awaited hug. It was also rewarded with licks from Lady and nudges from Nymeria.
"San do you know this girl?" asked Gendry.
"Yes I do she is my sister Ari," Sansa said and Arya nodded. The other boys in the smithy rushed over to see Sansa hugging her sister.
"Come inside and tell us your tale young lady, you must have been and a long journey and could use a place to water your horses as well as yourself," Master Tobho said to her. Arya nodded as she was guided into the smithy by Sansa and Gendry.
LATER
"I never realized it was that bad!" Sansa said after Arya explained what had happened in the North after her kidnapping.
"It is really bad. So bad that father sent me to look for you. He said that things are happening in King's Landing and he wants to know what is going on. Lord Tyrion and Mother were supposed to see Aunt Lysa and then meet up in Riverrun before Lord Tyrion heads here," Arya explained.
"If Lord Tyrion comes here then things are really bad," Sansa replied.
"When I was coming towards King's Landing, Ironborn had been seen further inland then where they normally would be raiding. Now mind you these might be stragglers of a much larger raiding party, but they were very concerning," Arya replied.
"Before I was taken Yara warned that her father was killed by his brother Euron. Could it be that he would want to attack further inland?" asked Sansa.
"No, that is not his motive Euron, from what I was told prefers to remain out at sea and raid coastal communities and island villages. Inland areas are not his area of expertise." Arya replied.
"You mentioned raiding parties, could they be the same raiding parties that have been hounding the trading caravans that have been supplying food to the city," said Master Tobho as he ate his meal.
They all sat together in Master Tobho's solar which is decorated to more Essossian designs. They especially display several weapons of Valyrian make and rank to show off the master's achievements. The table in the solar had some sparse food, some crumbling bread and some sauce to help with the meal. There was even some fruit that was picked from the master's private garden that he keeps on the roof of his home. Right now in the solar sat Arya, Gendry, Sansa, and Master Tobho.
"It could be? Is that why overland trade is almost non existent here?" asked Arya.
"It is bad. Word on the streets say that King Joffrey has ordered all food be taken to the Red Keep. Since these are lean times many people are now starving and some are so bad that they would attack anyone with an ounce of food," said Gendry.
"It would not be long before they resort to eating each other," said Master Tobho. As if the emphasis that the sound of thunder began to be heard above them. This indicated that a storm is approaching from the south.
"Winter is indeed coming if the rain has anything to go buy it.
As if to add to their discussion there was a knock on the door to the solar. Right as the door opened the Maid entered and bowed to Master Tobho.
"I am sorry to interrupt master, but there is a man here to see you. He says he is from the Red Keep," she said and with a wave of his hand Master Tobho indicated that she can let the man in. The Maid bowed her head and left only for a hooded figure to emerge from behind the door. The door was then shut and the man removed his hood to show himself.
"Lord Varys I never thought you would come visit me again," Master Tobho said to the man as he bowed low to show his respect.
"I did not mean to intrude on your home my dear friend. But my little birds tell me that you are being visited by wolves," he said indicating the Stark sisters.
"Have a seat My Lord and let me introduce you to these ladies it is only polite," he said.
The bald man sat down and offered to help himself to some bread and sauce. He grasped the food delicately with his hand. From his soft spoken voice and the scent of his perfumes he was a man that spent his time in the palace.
"Lord Varys...are you the King's Master of Whispers?" asked Arya. Sansa gave her a glowering look to show her slight disrespect.
Taking no offense the man tilted his head in acknowledgment, "You are indeed correct Lady Arya Stark. Has my birds been helpful in providing directions to your sister?" he said to her.
Taking her time to nod her head back, "Indeed they have been most helpful," as she finished her meal.
"Good, I have news for you all which I'm afraid has come at bad times," Varys said to them his voice growing serious. He reached into his pocket to retrieve a letter. On it bore the seal of House Stark.
"This came to me when I sent word to your father about war brewing among the remaining Baratheon Brothers. Both Lords Renly and Stannis are preparing for war," he said handing the letter over to the girls. Sansa was the first to take it opening it up to read the letter in their father's writing.
"Mother didwhat!" she said.
"What does it say?" asked Arya wanting to see over her larger sister's shoulder.
"It says that mother and Lord Tyrion went to the Vale to see Aunt Lysa about Lord Jon Arryn's death. Aunt Lysa locked up Lord Tyrion and tried to force mother to execute him. Mother went instead behind her back and stole Lord Robert Arryn from his rooms. He said that Mother found her sister was addicted to Skooma," Sansa replied.
"Skooma? Oh dear that is terrible," said Lord Varys. He never liked the sounds of war brewing on the horizon. At the look on his face Arya stole the scroll from Sansa and read more. Though her reading levels were good they were no where near his sister.
"Robin Arryn was drugged to look like he was sickly? That should not be allowed! And who the fuck is Petyr? I've never heard of him," Arya said out loud.
"I know who he is," said Lord Varys. He stood up with a grim look on his face.
"I know that name from somewhere before," Sansa said trying to remember the name. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks.
"Of course! I met him before at a brothel after I rescued that whore two weeks ago!" Sansa said sounding excited.
"Now, now Lady Stark do not get excited by this piece of news. Lord Baelish is a very dangerous man. He is one of the most dangerous men in Westeros. He can hire men to do his bidding with just a snap of his fingers. So if I were you I would exercise caution when speaking to him," Lord Varys said to them softly. Sansa instantly calmed down the excitement of adventure getting to her. But the reality of their situation has finally dawned on her.
"So, did Petry kill Jon Arryn?" asked Sansa.
"No, according to father's letter it was Aunt Lysa who did it to please Petry. It seems that Petyr and Lysa had an affair. Though Mother could see Jon Arryn in Robin so he is no bastard," Arya said.
"If that is the case then Lysa is a kinslayer since she murdered her husband." said Gendry.
"She is married to Jon Arryn by arrangement with her father and Lord Arryn after Robert's Rebellion. If that is the case and she had an affair with Lord Baelish then things are more complicated then they are now," said Master Tobho.
"But what about King Joffrey? When he was at Winterfell it was Marcella Baratheon herself that told me that he is not the child of King Robert. In fact she and her brother Tommen have both the dark hair and blue eyes of a true Baratheon. Other then that they were forced to dye their hair blonde and wear green glass in their eyes to hide their true color," Ayra said.
"Wait, Princess Marcella herself told you this?" asked Sansa.
"Yeah she even removed the glass and took a sprig of her own hair to show me," Arya replied. Lord Varys was deep in thought his mind whirling with possibilities.
"If what you are saying is true then Tommen should be king," said Lord Varys.
"Yeah, but Joffrey is oldest and is now currently king," said Sansa.
"But if he were truly a bastard of the queen then who is the father?" asked Gendry. His mind deep in thought by all accounts.
"All we know is that their could be only two possibilities Lycel Lannister who is the King's squire," said Arya and just as she was about to open her mouth is was surprisingly Lord Varys who finished, "Or the Kingslayer, Jaime Lannister."
"The thought about the Kingslayer it just makes me sick," said Gendry.
"It makes you sick boy but royal blood always goes for other royal blood. The Targaryens always married each other to preserve their Valyrian bloodlines. But look what happened to them," Master Tobho replied looking at the letter in Arya's hand.
"But...if that were true then it was Jaime Lannister who pushed Bran from the tower," said Arya.
"WHAT!" said Sansa surprised as she stood up, "What happened to Bran!?" she demanded.
Arya sighed as she relayed what happened during the King's visit to Winterfell. As she explained it Sansa's face grew darker and darker. She wanted nothing more then to seek vengeance on her brother's behalf. But it was Arya's hand on her arm that calmed her down.
"Don't get angry sister, remember what Septa said, if one were to give in to anger it would make one weak. And if one is weak in battle..." "They die," Sansa finished.
"If what you are saying is true then the Queen is guilty of falsifying her son's claim," said Gendry.
"You are well educated for a simple smith Gendry," Lord Varys said as he eyed Gendry with suspicion. It was master Tobho who cleared his throat before replying.
"I train all my apprentices on how to read Lord Varys. That way when a man gives an order he can understand what the man wants and fulfill that order to the exact number. Gendry here also took an interest in laws and wanted to learn how the laws of our kingdom work. It has helped him quite a bit when dealing with the gold cloaks who think they are better then anyone else. If he was of higher status he could have become a gold cloak himself," Master Tobho said to Lord Varys.
"That is true," the Master of Whispers said to them.
"So if that is the case then why are the other two Baratheon Lords wanting a war? Shouldn't they be wanting to back up the king? Or did someone start something with them?" asked Arya.
"I think someone told both Lord Renly and Lord Stannis that Robert's three children are bastards. If we were to prove that Tommen and Marcella are trueborn then that would save them the trouble." With that Lord Varys rose from his seat and started to pace.
"You see not long after King Robert's death word had reached the two lords that all three children were illegitimate. If that is the case then Lord Stannis is next in line for the throne. But we all know that Cersei Lannister won't give up the throne so easily," said Lord Varys.
"She will do anything to protect her son and her hidden affair. Is that why Lord Tyrion is coming here?" asked Sansa.
"Yes, to see for himself why this is happening and to prove that Marcella and Tommen are trueborn. If that is true then both brothers should back down. But there are other problems brewing as well," Lord Varys said.
"What things are brewing?" asked Master Tobho.
"The King himself that is the problem. King Joffrey is under the influence of his mother which makes him vulnerable to suggestions. Cersei thinks little of the lower class folks and thinks that with the shortage of food coming into the capital supplies should go straight to the Red Keep and not to the people of King's Landing." Lord Varys said.
"That is not fair!" Arya said outraged and even Gendry agreed with her.
"I know that as well little warrior. I believe your father agrees with me as well. He had a feeling that should you girls be here that the letter I have given to you should go to you. When my little birds have told me that a girl with sickly looking horses was walking into town. I had had not bat an eye that is until one of them mentioned that the horse has golden eyes that glow in the dark," Lord Varys said.
Arya looked down in shame, "Now, now it is a very good disguise, my birds only barely managed to spot the wolf's eyes before you walked off. They also reported a girl who beaten three fully grown men to save a whore. Now there is only two places where females train to fight in battle the Deserts of Dorne or the far reaches of the North. And Dornish women don't have pale skin so I put two and two together. I know that Northerners don't advertise their fighting skills so only someone who has spent time in the North would know," Lord Varys said.
"I apologize if I caused any sort of trouble Lord Varys," Sansa said.
Snorting Varys waved her off, "Now, now my child I am not here to scold you on your good deed. Had I had the skills to do so I would have done the same. No. you have done me a service seeing as you had helped me with dealing with those troublemakers. The owner of that port had dealt harsh punishments on those men and with the broken bones that you gave them. It has given them some pause when dealing with women," Lord Varys replied.
"Good," Sansa replied back sounding better knowing the fate of the men who apologized to her a few days prior.
"The hour is late Lord Varys shall I see you to the door?" Master Tobho said getting up from his chair. Gendry went to assist him in standing.
"There is no need for that. I just wanted to inform the Stark sisters of the latest current events and to offer my services as a friend to the realm," he said.
"We thank you Lord Varys your services would be most helpful. In fact I think we can help you," Arya said getting up to help him to the door.
"Oh?" asked Lord Varys.
"Yes, When you see Princess Marcella tell her that Arya Stark wishes her well and to give her this," she said handing him a rolled up piece of paper. Lord Varys quickly took the paper and at her nod opened it up to read it. Once he was done he nodded to her with a smile.
"So what will you do while you are here Ladies Stark?" he asked.
"Well first we need to get word to our father in Winterfell and then we shall see to the food problem for the people," said Sansa.
"Let me deal with getting word out and then I shall be back in a seventh day to give you word if not sooner," he said and after taking a bow left through the doorway into the dark streets.
When he was gone they quickly cleaned the table and Master Tobho bid them goodnight. The meeting was exhausting for him as he made his way towards his chambers. That left Gendry, Arya and Sansa. At Sansa's request they made their way towards her rooms where both she and Arya are staying. When they opened the door the second bed was already installed at Sansa's insistence and Arya's things had already been put away by the maid.
"Wow, I had never been in a bedroom like this?" said Gendry when he noticed the weapons on the beds. A bow and several arrows, a long thin sword and even some belt holsters for daggers were on Arya's bed. On Sansa's bed he was surprised to see a sword there as well as what looks like two pieces of a staff. Some knives and thin clothes.
"What are these weapons?" asked Gendry inspecting the sword on Sansa's bed. At the weight of the sword his eyes lit up as he pulled it from the scabbard.
"Holy shit, this is Valyrian Steel!" he whispered looking at the metal etchings and the weight of it.
"Northern Valyrian steel," Sansa corrected as she showed him her other weapons. He admired the handles on the weapons as well. A wolf's head was on the hilt of the sword with yellow amber jewels for its eyes. Arya's had a more white pearl for eyes on her wolf's head. The thin sword that he grabbed also felt light.
"This is a Braavosi style sword, used for water dancing. I bet you my balls that these weapons must have cost a fortune!" Gendry said looking at them.
"Aye, they did if we actually bought them," Arya said to him.
"What do you mean?" asked Gendry.
"It means we inherited them from our father. Lord Eddard Stark gave us these weapons just as his mother gave them to him to hopefully pass them down to his daughters. They were gifts from a Valyrian smith nearly a thousand years ago," Sansa lied while glaring at Arya. Arya shrank back chastised.
"Wow, you must really take care of them for the weapon is really well maintained. Better then half the nobles who come to our shop hoping to get their weapons cleaned," Gendry replied.
"You saw me in the forge I usually do my own sharpening and maintaining. And it was no lie my father Lord Stark knows how to keep his sword working how it should be," Sansa said as he held onto her short sword. Gendry enjoyed looking over the other weapons. The bow that Arya showed him has the direwolves in detail along with the Stark sigil of the snarling wolf.
Which reminded Gendry of something else.
"Those two 'horses,' in the stable. They are not really horses are they?" Gendry replied.
"No, they are not, they are direwolves," Arya replied.
Gendry's eyes went wide, "Dire….wolves!"
"I brought them here to find Sansa. Her own wolf Lady would know her mistresses scent from miles away. And if we need to get away they can serve as horses for they can lift heavy loads like a horse," Arya replied.
"Shit!" Gendry said.
"So it would be best to keep quiet about them at least for the time being," said Sansa.
Gendry eventually nodded before slowly getting up to leave. "If you want I can introduce you in the morning they know a friend from foe," said Arya. As he walked out his mind was blank and the shock to finally meet Sansa's sister had not left him. When he was gone both Sansa and Arya were left alone. But both sisters knew that they need to get out and speak more freely from prying ears. So with some care they left through the window of Sansa's room.
Quietly they made their way down towards the ground level. When they got there both sisters made their way towards the stables where Lady and Nymeria were kept. Arya showed Sansa where the tunnel that helped her into the city was kept. But since she had been here for sometime she knew where other tunnel entrances are, and showed Arya where and closer entrance was.
Going back into the dark and smelly tunnels both sisters led their wolves deeper and deeper into the tunnels. Arya remembering her way finally saw something familiar. She led Sansa right to the same room that she crossed just days before.
"Here! It was here I found the jars!" Arya said.
Sansa walked into the room filled with Wildfire. The glowing jars were dangerous and with a quick motion Sansa quickly doused the fire without putting in the smelly water. That way they can still use the torch to get back into the tunnels.
Walking into the room Sansa was amazed that the jars lasted this long and is filled to the brim with the deadly substance. The wolves whined as they kept their tails between their legs. As they walked through Sansa eventually walked over to one of the jars and slowly took a sample between her fingers and felt the substance.
"This wildfire has been sitting here for almost twenty years. Who knows how potent this stuff is," Sansa said.
Both sisters looked at the rows of wildfire pots, "Who knows why King Robert never gotten rid of them," Arya said to her sister.
"Maybe he didn't know about them. After all no one really knows the passages of the Red Keep. So they probably never knew all the sewage systems of the city which has to be cleaned!" said Sansa holding her nose.
"I agree this city reeks and if father were in charge he would not stand for it," Arya replied. Leading the way the went back into the tunnels leaving the glowing pots of wild fire to resume their walk into darkness. When they were well away Sansa relit the torch and walked towards the end of the tunnel.
When they finally emerged from the tunnel into the forests beyond King's Landing both girls set to clean the wolves of the filth that raids their fur with stink. Taking some soaps that Sansa bought from a stall near the Smithy she and Arya set to clean the wolves. When the wolves were finally clean of the filth they were more then happy to show their love to their riders. Sansa was more then happy to hug Lady after so long.
"Thank you for taking care of her," Sansa said.
"You can thank me by riding her," replied Arya.
"Riding her?" Sansa said in confusion and to emphasis Arya leaped onto Nymeria's back and the wolf gladly trotted around both Sansa and Lady to show off. Being about the size of a small horse means that Lady's head is about the size of a medium horse being a predator. The wolf's shoulder matched that of Sansa's breast.
"Well get on!" Arya said with impatience. Lady leaned down a bit to let Sansa on. Hesitantly Sansa climbed onto her wolf and the wolf lifted her up like a horse.
"Your fur is so much more comfortable then a saddle girl," Sansa said laughing. Lady only shook her head which made Sansa giggle. Then as if on cure both girls disappeared into the forest to hunt with their wolves.
SOMETIME LATER
Both girls sat in the branches of a tall tree overlooking the coastline that leads to the city. The King's Wood which is just south of King's Landing is filled with wild game. On the border between the Crownlands and the Stormlands both girls had found a spot deep in the woods where they could talk freely.
"So what do you think?" Arya said to her sister as they sat around a warm fire.
"The city is a shit hole that is for sure. The sewers needed to be cleaned badly and the people are starving while the King feasts daily," Sansa replied.
"The King is a little shit! He is a spoiled bastard that should not sit on the throne. The one who should have been king is Tommen the younger brother. He is the only true born son of King Robert!" said Arya.
"I know he is and I bet Jon and Dany would agree as well. King Robert won the war in the right of conquest which by law means that he is the king. However Cersei broken the law by sleeping with her brother and mothering a bastard that she placed on the throne. If I was father I would have sent someone to see if Tywin Lannister has anything to do with this, but I doubt it. From what I know of the man even he obeys the laws of marriage and would not stoop to something so low," Sansa replied.
"He would if it benefits his legacy," Arya replied.
"You are talking about the murder of Jon and Dany's family," Sansa asked. Arya could only nod.
"What about what happened to Bran?" Sansa said after Arya told her about their brother.
"We all know Cersei Lannister ordered Ser Jaime to do it. If it wasn't for Maester Luwin, myself, mother and Robb then he would have been a cripple the rest of his life," Arya replied.
Sansa felt anger course through her at the thought of her brother trapped in the wheel chair for the rest of his life. Now he will have to start his physical training from the beginning in order to rebuild that muscle again. The war of the dead is about to repeat itself soon and they can't afford to have anyone go cripple at a time like this. Even now as she sits at the capital things are stirring. The people are dealing with starvation and some even turned to cannibalism. She started to hear stories in the Smithy and some of the boys are afraid to leave at night to return home or go to the markets. The situation is starting to get bad.
"What about what Jon Arryn was looking into?" Sansa asked.
"I don't know, but I know that is what Lord Tyrion is looking into," Arya replied.
"While he is doing that we need to concentrate on doing something for the people of this city. Father never raised us to be nothing more then greedy nobles. He raised us to be warriors and warriors fight for the people of King's Landing." Sansa said to her. Arya nodded her head in agreement. They were bound by their warrior oaths to help with the weak and the sick, and they were not about leave the people they came to know in King's Landing to starve.
"So what are we going to do first?" Arya asked.
"We are going to train first and gather our forces. We need to create a network to help and that is where I think Lord Varys comes in," Sansa said.
"Lord Varys has the largest network of spies in the known world. The man must know about what is going to happen in the city," Sansa replied.
"The man knows a bit but we might also get others into our fold as well those who are only loyal to us," Arya replied and Sansa nodded, "Like Gendry," at this Arya agreed.
SOMETIME LATER
By the time the two sisters returned to the city and to their room it was late into the knight when the moon had set. Here under the cover of darkness Sansa and Arya had used the tunnels to get back to the Smith's home and hid the wolves in the stables. After having them hunt for their food they were full and ready to rest. This time they didn't have to disguise them as the darkness hid them from the guards.
When they got to their room they did a check to see if anyone came in. Finding the forge run by the nighttime apprentices and the sleeping quarters dark. Sansa and Arya agreed to meet in the woods every night to plan out what their strategy is going to be. For the wolves have entered the city and it is time to clear out the flock.
TBC
A/n: Well Happy Thanksgiving Everyone I hope you all love this chapter. I know there is a lot of conversation going around but at this point this is the end of another section of the story. This completes Sansa's story arc for now. And I am glad she is reunited with her younger sister. It gives a sense of things to come for them and for King's Landing. In the next story arch that I am about to start with the next chapter I am going to put up a vote since there is so much to cover. I want your opinion on which story to do next for this fic. Do you want me to cover Theon, Asha and Ramsey's story, Do Tyrion's, Go back to Winterfell or Go to Castle Shadow Tower in the North. I want you all to decide on where to go next. I've already got the plots planned out I just can't decide which one to do so I will let you all vote on it.
As always if you like this story please tell me and leave a review but remember CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM ONLY, so that means no BASHINGS, FLAMES OR LORE MONGERS PLEASE! Thank you all for loving this story so much!