Sansa's reaction to the big reveal. I'm still upset we didn't get to see how the Stark sisters reacted in season eight. Hopefully it's a deleted scene, but I doubt that very much. It felt like a deliberate choice.

The wrong one, for me. This secret is the most important thing in the whole story. It was the answer to this very question which had convinced GRRM to allow Benioff and Weiss to create the TV show. So how Jon's closest family members reacted to the revelation would be important too. Obviously.

I have yet to write Arya's reaction, but I promise I won't skip that.

11. Fathers - Sansa

After Jon had left in a hurry, she moved to pick up the fallen sword. Dark Sister. For some reason, the name reminded her of Arya. The last time they saw each other was years ago, in King's Landing. Where was she now? Was she even alive? How would she react to all this? Knowing her sister, she would probably still love Jon unconditionally.

"My lady?" Lord Reed's voice startled her. Turning around, she saw him raise his hands and dip his head. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to cause such confusion." He said, looking at the door.

Sansa gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Don't blame yourself. Jon might need some time now, but I'm sure he'll be grateful to have finally learned the truth." She said, wondering where he went.

"I see." He nodded. "Well, I should be going. I've been meaning to visit the Wall before I return to Greywater Watch." He said, moving towards the door. He stopped shortly before opening it and turned around. "Unless… Do you have any further questions?" He inquired, looking at her expectantly.

Sansa considered him for a moment. This man was a treasure trove of information, but what could I ask him that he hadn't already answered? She didn't know, yet it seemed unwise to allow him to leave. "Are you in a hurry to reach Castle Black?"

"No, not really." He replied quickly. "I just wanted to be closer to the place I heard my children were last seen, in case they return." Meera and Jojen Reed. And Bran. She hoped they were safe, but the lands beyond the Wall were dangerous. Especially if what Jon says is true.

"Then would you mind waiting here in Winterfell for a while? I don't know what Jon's planning to do with this information, but you're the only witness. Perhaps we'll need you." She said, trying to make it sound like he had a choice. If he decides to leave, I'll have to keep him here against his will.

Lord Reed nodded. "Very well. I suppose it couldn't hurt to remain here a little longer. Perhaps Meera will find me." But not Jojen? She found that strange, but decided to let it go.

She smiled. "Thank you, my lord. I'll make sure a room is ready for you. In the meantime, you're welcome to explore the castle grounds or Winter Town as you please." He nodded again and left.

Brienne noticed her alone in the room and entered. "My lady." She greeted. "Is something wrong?" She asked, concern plastered on her face.

"Did you see where Jon went?" Sansa wanted to talk to him. He shouldn't be alone, or he might do something stupid.

"No." She shook her head. "He seemed… perturbed."

"I need to find him." Sansa tried to think where he'd go. If she had received such news, she would want to see her father. The Crypt? "Brienne, please inform the household staff that we'll have a new guest staying with us. Make sure they prepare the room closest to the godswood." She knew lord Reed followed the Old Gods, just like father.

The tall woman nodded and left to follow her instructions. Sansa gripped the sword she was still holding and went to the Crypt. It wasn't a long trip, since the crypt was located fairly close to the First Keep. When she reached the ironwood door, a memory transported her back to her childhood.

Robb was leading her, Arya and Bran deeper and deeper into the crypt. During the walk, he had been telling them a story about a long-dead King of Winter who was betrayed by his own family, vowing to return and haunt every new generation of Starks. When they reached the statue of the dead king, she started hearing strange noises. The sound grew louder and louder, until she finally saw it: a deathly pale figure rose slowly from the back of the statue and raised his hands. Sansa screamed and ran away as fast as her legs could carry, with little Bran right behind her.

She smiled at the memory. It was only later that she learned it had all been a trick to scare them. That ghost was Jon, covered in flour. Only Arya hadn't fallen for the trick, probably because she knew him so well. She'd recognize him even if he had a different face.

Sansa entered the crypt, holding the sword aloft. I should've brought a lamp. The sword was shiny, but it only reflected light. It wasn't completely dark, for a few lanterns provided a faint orange glow.

"Jon? Are you here?" She asked the darkness, but there was no reply. "If this is another trick, it won't work this time." She waved Dark Sister around.

"Impressive blade." Littlefinger's voice made her snap her head back to the entrance. "I wonder where you've acquired such a rarity, my lady." He said, descending the steps towards her.

This could be trouble. How do I explain it without revealing too much? "Ah, yes. This was brought here by a loyal Northern lord, as our king requested." She quickly moved her arm to let the sword rest behind her, obscuring his view. Perhaps he didn't get a good look.

He nodded. "So it must be Valyrian Steel." He said, slowly. "It's difficult to believe anyone would willingly part with such a valuable item." He was smiling in that odd way again. I hate that smile.

"The lords of the North are known for their loyalty. The North Remembers." She said, giving her own fake smile. She knew from experience that wasn't true. When they needed help against the Boltons, very few Houses came to their aid. At least House Mormont remembered, she mused.

He was about to say something else, but she interrupted him. "What are you doing here, my lord? This is a sacred place for my family."

"Forgive me, my lady." He said, bowing his head. "I've been meaning to have a private word with you, yet it seemed an impossible task lately. I'm afraid this was the only way." He looked around, probably making sure they were truly alone. I should've brought Brienne with me. Or Ghost.

"Very well. You have my attention." She figured he would simply keep trying if she kept avoiding him, so she might as well hear what he has to say.

He glanced at the entrance again before speaking, "I wished to continue the discussion you began a few days ago." He took a deep breath and continued, "I believe I've found the perfect candidate for you. Lord Robin Arryn."

"Is that so?" She tried to keep her voice from rising. "You'll forgive me if I'm hesitant to believe you after the last time you arranged my wedding." Sansa was angry, but something still didn't make sense. "Wait… Didn't you tell me once that all you've ever wanted was seeing me by your side on the Iron Throne? How would this marriage help you achieve that end?" She asked him, fully expecting another lie. Only a fool would trust Littlefinger.

He smiled again. "Lord Arryn has become… troublesome lately. And in my experience, weddings are a great way to remove trouble." He said, still with that smile on his face. Even privately, he's careful with his words.

She decided to play along. "I see." She nodded. "So control of the Vale would fall to me?"

"Yes, if his… accident were to happen after the wedding." His voice grew more confident. "We could also arrange for him to drink essence of nightshade on the wedding day, to make sure he sleeps soundly during the bedding ceremony." She was disgusted with this plan, but she had learned to control her emotions a long time ago.

"I'd prefer that. I'm rather tired of wedding nights." She said, trying very hard to keep her face from displaying any emotion. "I suppose this could work. Do I have to answer right now?" She asked, stalling for time.

He shook his head. "No, not at all. I merely wanted to see if you were open to the idea. I have my answer." You have nothing, she wanted to say, but held her tongue. Let him believe. "It should take some time to put the plan into motion. I shall return later." With that, he bowed and left the crypt.

Sansa waited until she couldn't hear his footsteps anymore, before letting out a loud sigh. She looked around, searching for her father's statue. It was only a few steps ahead. She stared at his face for a moment. I guess not everyone can be a good father, she mused, thinking of Littlefinger's plan. Jon was lucky. He didn't have a mother, but he had the best father anyone could have asked for.

Then she glanced around for… Aunt Lyanna. Her statue was standing right next to father's and uncle Brandon's. She was the only woman with a statue here, proof of how much father had loved her. Jon is also a living proof of that. She was beautiful. Now that she knew, Sansa could almost spot the resemblance. I think I've wasted enough time. She had to find him before he did something he might regret.

This is the beginning of the Sansa arc, which will grow apart from Jon's arc. I won't spoil anything here, but I just wanted Sansa to have her own thing going on.

The date is 18/05/2019