Valyrian Steel
Chapter 22
Sansa Arryn
Sansa woke early in the morning before the sun started peeking over the horizon. Harry was sleeping soundly next to her, his hand over her still flat stomach. Sansa smiled as she gently removed his hand to slip out of bed. A howl sounded far off and Sansa listened happily, Harry had complained about the noise before but she felt happy hearing them. Arya had promised Sansa a pup if Nymeria ever whelped a litter, it was very kind of her.
Arya spent most of her time with Daenerys, or training Jon and Prince Aegon on dragon taming, always with Ser Gendry following close behind. At night she and Rickon would ride out on the backs of their wolves for a hunt and eat in the Brotherhood tent with the Lady Stone-heart.
Sansa shuddered remembering the scarred grey face and haunting eyes of the woman who was once her mother. She screamed when the corpse reached for her, while Rickon hugged her tight and looked at Sansa as if she had done something wrong. She refused to go in that tent again after that night. That thing wasn't her beautiful noble mother who brushed her hair every night. Rickon couldn't see that, he was three when he last saw her, but she was his mother. Arya didn't care, she said it was just a piece of mother and that was enough for her.
Harry had sent word to Lady Waynwood and Lord Baelish to call the banners and march the men North. He wanted to send her back to the Vale but Sansa refused, she wanted to stay as far away from Baelish as possible. She was not far along and this camp was the safest place for her and her growing family. When the maesters told her that she was pregnant she had felt joy, joy and dread. Petyr would soon make his move. Harry just lifted her in the air with a great laugh kissing her in front of the entire camp. He'd gotten roaring drunk and was found the next morning naked and dozing off in front of the wierwood. She had scolded him for risking the frostbite and sickness, Harry just kissed her and told her to warm him up. He was utterly foolish but she went along with his request laughing. Arya told them several days later that Nymeria heard two heart beats not one, Harry had strutted around camp like a proud peacock yelling "twins, my wife is having twins!" every few paces. Sansa had hoped he would keep the pregnancy quiet, she did not want to disappoint everyone.
The sun started to peek through an opening in the tent and Sansa dressed quickly. Arya would be leaving today to go to the Twins with Willas, Jon and Tyrion. When Sansa met Willas she was surprised, the dreams she had of him and High Garden were so long ago. He was handsome, not so handsome as Harry or Aegon, but still handsome with kinds eyes and a soft smile. Mya said that he paled next to the rest but Sansa disagreed. When tensions and tempers ran high he maintained a cool calm and used his intellect and manners to quiet the room. He was everything Margaery said he would be, but Sansa was more than happy with Harry. Willas politely spoke to her of Margaery and Loras, beyond that he made no advances farther than a polite kiss on her hand.
Once Sansa was dressed she made her way to the wierwood Arya liked to sleep by. Nymeria was with her and for a moment Sansa felt jealous, she missed Lady, but there was nothing to be done about it. Nymeria propped her head up and yawned, there was blood on her muzzle. Arya sat up and tilted her head with Nymeria in question. Sansa had to smile, Arya and Nymeria had been separated by an ocean for years but they still moved in sync with each other.
"I was hoping we could spend some time together before you leave."
Arya sat up and tossed a twig into the flames motioning for Sansa to join her by the campfire she had built.
"Have you decided to listen to Ser Gendry?" Sansa asked gently.
Arya frowned. "Possibly, I don't want to admit it but that idiot was right. I've turned into Tywin or Cersei. But if that's what I have to do to keep everyone safe I'll do it."
Sansa grasped her sisters' hands. "Listen to him. You do not need to kill everyone. Daenerys already agreed to revoke their lands and titles, all you have to do is get the hostages out."
"And kill anyone who had something to do with the Red Wedding." She said back coldly.
"Arya, you don't have to keep killing. You're family is back." Sansa tried to cajole her sister but Arya shrugged her off and stood.
"Blood for blood, I won't wipe them out entirely, but I will kill Walder Frey and any son who took part." She said angrily and stomped away. Sansa sighed and rose to return to her tent. Arya needed to cool down, and then they could speak calmly.
Harry was awake a dressing, he reached over and kissed her deeply before letting go with a smile. "What shall we do today?"
"We need to figure out what to do with Lord Baelish with the others."Sansa said stepping away from him so that he might take the situation seriously. Harry sighed and sat down holding her gaze.
"You should have told the Lords of the Vale how your aunt truly died."
"If I told them now it would sound like a falsehood, they would turn against me and accuse me of being complicit. Lysa was mad and she would have killed me, Petyr did what he had to."
"What about what Lysa said, about the tears and the letter?" Harry asked
"I don't want to condemn him on the ravings of a madwoman. It would be best is Daenerys appointed him to a position across the narrow sea." Sansa said as she mulled over the situation.
Harry groaned. "Or we could just have him killed, gods know your sister would be happy enough to do it."
Sansa rubbed her hands together with worry, she wanted to avoid violence, especially if it meant Arya descending further into her violent tendencies."Arya's done enough, we can't just use her when it's convenient. She's not an assassin anymore, she's a lady."
"I think she would argue with you on that point." Harry said as he reached for her and pulled her into his lap. He kissed the nape of her neck and held her tight. He wasn't trying to lay with her only comfort her and Sansa leaned into the kiss.
"We should discuss this with Daenerys and Tyrion, get an outside opinion." Harry said as trailed kisses along her neck while Sansa nodded in agreement. She kissed him back and let him run his hands up towards her chest. She would have lay with him if it were not for someone calling for them from outside. Harry leaned his head back and groaned while Sansa laughed and kissed his nose. They both straightened their clothes and allowed their visitor in.
Mya strolled in and shot them both a mirthful grin. "Did I interrupt something?" She asked with a suggestive wink that made Sansa blush and Harry laugh. Mya served herself some wine and made herself at home.
"Rickon wants to take his new brother-in-law on a hunt. Lanna is walking about with Arya and the Queen, they invited us to join. Don't leave me alone with these people."
Sansa smiled, Mya actually enjoyed the company of all those people she just knew that Sansa wanted to spend more time with her sister. "Of course. Will you be wearing that?" Sansa said motioning to Mya's leathers.
Mya let out a groan and Sansa was reminded of her sister, "We will be walking with the Queen and the future Lady of the Rock." Sansa said with an inclination of her head.
"Only because Arya is wearing one, the Queen insisted and she always listens." Sansa felt a twinge of jealousy at how close Daenerys was to Arya, they were always whispering in each other's ears and giggling at some private joke. Mya strolled out and called back loudly behind her. "It will give you and your husband time to fuck again."
Sansa blushed furiously while Harry rolled on the ground laughing as they heard the men of the camp cheer lustily. Sansa stepped out, ignoring the men, and scooped up some ice that she threw at her ridiculous husband who cried out when some of the ice ran down his shirt. He got up and gave Sansa a dangerous look that made her flee outside while he followed closely behind. She screamed when he tossed snow at her head and kicked some in his direction. Harry caught up with her quickly dragging her down to the snow laughing. He kissed and tickled her while she shoved snow on his head screaming in delight. They stopped when Nymeria and Ghost landed on them lapping up the snow from their faces. Rickon and Shaggy-dog landed on them with a war cry from her brother who tossed a large snowball at Harry while Jon looked on laughing beside Arya, Lanna, Aegon and the Queen. Lanna dragged Arya into the fray and Mya joined in, possibly with the intent to ruin her dress. Jon tossed a snowball at Aegon's face and Danerys laughed. Daenerys bent over to try and make a snowball but it fell apart in her hands and she glared at the snow as if she were about to command it to hold its shape. Jon showed her how to make a snowball while Arya shoved snow down the shirt of their future king who was cursing and laughing.
Harry held Sansa close and whispered battle plans in her ear and Sansa felt giddy, she had not played since Winterfell and for a moment she felt her family was whole. Arya appeared with a bucket filled with snow and dumped it on their heads before running towards Jon with a wicked laugh. Sansa saw the happy wild girl that she had grown up with and felt joy. Beneath the murderous intent and the assassin training her sister was still there. Underneath the rage there was still a chance for her to live a happy life. Sansa noticed Gendry and Willas watching from the sidelines with a small smile and was grateful for his presence. Gendry had brought Arya back from the brink and even if her sister didn't know it, he was a good influence. Mya invited them to join but they both shook their head, Willas pointed towards his leg and Gendry simply walked away. The tussle in the snow stopped when Lanna sneezed and Arya fretted over her. The two were close and Sansa felt jealous, Arya and Lanna had known each other for years in Braavos, they acted like sisters. Arya hustled Lanna away and the rest dispersed still smiling.
Sansa and Harry went back into their tent to change out of their wet clothes. Harry used the opportunity to "warm" her up with some quick and sweet love making. They changed quickly and he ran out to join Rickon and Jon on their hunt kissing her on his way out.
Sansa joined the queen and her company by the wierwood, they were laughing at a rowdy joke Mya was making. Mya was wearing a blue velvet dress Sansa had made for her a year ago when she was still Alayne Stone. She looked very pretty and Lanna was braiding her short hair into a cute bun. Arya was wearing a white dress with grey direwolves embroidered along the shoulders, a gift from the Queen no doubt. Daenerys was braiding her hair and Sansa wanted to nudge the Queen aside and take her place with her sister. Instead she curtsied gracefully and sat on a cloak that had been laid out for her. Missandei was bundled up in furs and sat close to the fire, it never snowed in Naath.
"We're discussing embarrassing sex stories, do you have any to add?" Lanna asked with a playful wink. Sansa stiffened while the other ladies waited.
"I'm happy to say Harrold hasn't given me cause to add to this conversation." Sansa said politely.
"What about you Arya?" Mya said taking the attention off Sansa.
Arya thought for a moment and Sansa was horrified that her sister had given up her maidenhead. "I had a job where a man liked young girls, showed up like a gift wrapped present. gelded him before I killed him."
Lanna slapped Arya on the shoulder, "That isn't the kind of story that we wanted."
"It's the only kind I have, I still have my maidenhead." She added looking at Sansa who sighed with relief.
"Well get to it, gods know Gendry would be more than happy to help." Lanna teased while Arya blushed furiously.
"Shut up stupid, like I'd ever waste my time with that kind of crap!"
Mya and Lanna laughed at her reaction while Daenerys had the good grace to cover her smile with her sleeve. Arya stood and Sansa feared that she would stomp away again when Danerys asked her to sit again. Arya pouted and sat angrily obeying her queen.
Sansa watched closely as Daenerys calmed Arya and continued to twist and braid her hair to the side weaving blue ribbons as she went along. "Have you decided on a name?" Daenerys asked Sansa kindly.
"If they're boys Eddard and Robert. If they are girls Catelyn and Lyarra." Sansa said happily as she ignored the envious feelings she held towards the queen.
"Good names," Arya said as she brushed Nymeria's fur.
"I was hoping to speak to the Queen about an issue I'm having. It's slightly personal." Sansa said looking towards the other women present.
"I trust Missandei and Arya with everything, Lanna will learn about whatever we speak of from either Arya or her father, and I think you trust Mya." Daenerys said, the other women kept to their seats and Sansa fidgeted.
"It concerns Lord Baelish." Sansa started hesitantly.
"Father hates him, he says that Baelish framed him for the attempted assassination of your brother." Lanna said to Arya who suddenly focused on the conversation. Sansa did not know about the assassination attempt and listened closely as Lanna spoke of a Valyrian steel dagger that had found its way into the would-be assassin's hands after Tyrion lost it in a bet to Petyr. Sansa felt a huge wave of dread and Nymeria licked her fingers in an attempt to comfort her.
"That wasn't all, he killed my aunt Lysa. She was trying to kill me and she was raving about tears for Jon Arryn and letters for mother." Sansa went into depth about the ravings of Lysa and her past relationship with Petyr. She also told them of her suspicions, Petyr's plans to kill Harry and marry her placing himself in control of the Vale, the North and possibly the Riverlands. Arya's expression darkened with each passing word.
"The tears of Lys would have killed Jon Arryn, in an older victim it would appear like a simple stomach bug and fever took them. Obviously Lysa wrote a letter to mother to throw suspicion towards the Lannisters. Petyr orchestrated the war of the Five Kings to bring three great houses to their knees under his power, vengeance for humiliating him and keeping him from our mother. He dies."
"Arya he saved me." Sansa pleaded, hoping to draw her sister back from the darkness.
"So did the Hound, saved you from the mob and me from the Freys, yet I left him to his long and painful death." Arya said with a cold look in her eyes that sent chills down Sansa's spine. "We fought side by side, but I didn't forget Mycah. He begged me for a quick death and I left him to suffer." Sansa felt as if an icy cold grip had taken hold of her heart. Arya glared at her with all the rage and anger she had after the butcher-boy died. Her sister was all cold fury and it scared Sansa almost as much as the corpse that had her mothers face.
"We have to deal with the hostage situation in the Twins and I need you to rally your house. You can have your vengeance after the situation in the North is dealt with." Daenerys said finishing Arya's braid. "Then you can kill him, or we can have a public execution so that the world knows what he has done. Whichever you prefer."
"So long as I swing the sword." Arya said in agreement. The cold rage left her eyes and there was nothing there but chilling apathy.
"Your brother's cute, but broody. Do you mind if I play with him?" Lanna asked drawing the conversation away and lightening the expression on Arya's face to playful outrage. "Stupid! He's not a toy."
"But he blushes so prettily whenever I flirt." Lanna said with a laugh and the conversation flowed again.
)O(
Harrold came back later that day helping Jon carry a large boar, the wolves hopped around them but Shaggy-dog kept them in line. Harry had a few snow fox pelts tied to his belt and handed the pelts to one of his men to salt and tan. He promised the pelts to sansa for a future cloak and kissed her check. They went back to their tent and Sansa told him about her conversation with the queen.
"Your sister agreed to handle the situation. Don't worry about it anymore. The maester said to avoid stress, twins can strain your body." Harry said when Sansa updated him on the situation. "I'll tell Waynwood and Royce to keep an eye on him and monitor his correspondence. He'll be arrested for the attempt on your brother's life and plotting the murder of Jon Arryn. I don't want you to think about it anymore." Harry said sitting her down next to him. Sansa nervously wrung her hangs and he stopped her by laying her down and holding her.
"We are not moving from this spot until you calm down." He said forcefully
"We have to, Arya and Jon will be leaving soon. I have to see them off." Sansa tried to wriggle away but he held firm.
"Then calm down." He said as he tightened his grip.
"She's a lady, my little sister, she shouldn't be killing anyone." Sansa relaxed into his embrace and held his hand.
"Your sister is about as much a lady as I am. She looks pretty in a dress, a skill I can't claim, but she has killed more men than I have. You don't need to protect her."
"I never did, not even when we were girls. I tried to get her to be more lady like. To help her with her studies." Sansa said tears pricking at her eyes. "We're too different, I can't reach her."
"She loves you, she wouldn't have threatened me if she didn't" Sansa looked up at him and Harry smiled. "First night she showed up, when I was naked by the wierwood she held a dagger to my manhood and told me that if I ever hurt you that no one would find my body only my manhood lying in a puddle of blood. I was so drunk and afraid I almost pissed myself. Especially since her damn wolf was there watching me like I was her next meal. No one would do that for someone that they don't love."
Sansa laughed into his chest and Harry admonished her. "Honestly you Starks have terrible senses of humor, does danger towards my manhood really amuse you so much." Sansa continued to laugh with relief, her sister was not completely lost to her.
Harry had some tea brought for Sansa and made her finish it before going with her to see her brother and sister off. He walked with her towards the end of the camp and saw Arya storm out of the stables with Nymeria and a horse in tow. Gendry walked out a few moments afterwards with his own horse. He saw Sansa and bowed.
"Lord and Lady Arryn."
"Ser Gendry," Sansa greeted him and he continued on his way.
"Wonder what that was about," Sansa said as she watched Arya avoid contact with him.
"Assassin or no your sister is still a girl." Harrold said with a smile. "She might not acknowledge it, but she is aware of him."
"It would be a good match if he becomes the lord of the Stormlands." Sansa said pensively and Harrold laughed.
"Leave them be love, best not to meddle with those two." Harry kissed her nose and nudged her towards the departing party. Tyrion called out to her and she joined the Lannisters.
"Sweet Sansa, look at what my lovely daughter made for my departure." Tyrion said as he displayed his red scarf and cap. Lanna, who was normally confident and flirtatious, blushed shyly at her fathers' compliments. Tyrion pulled the cap over his ears and wound the long scarf about his neck.
"I told you I would make you another one." Lanna said tugging on the scarf. "I've gotten better at knitting and this thing is too long. You'll get it caught in a branch and hang yourself."
Sansa giggle while Harry laughed at that last comment. Tyrion waved away her concerns. "Nonsense, I wouldn't trade your first gift for all the gold in Lannisport."
The lady Tysha bent over and adjusted Tyrion's scarf so that it was not dragging behind him. Sansa smiled, Tyrion deserved to be loved and she was happy for him.
"Stay safe Lord Lannister." Sansa said with a graceful bow. Tyrion smilled at her and kissed her hand. "You too sweet Sansa. Baelish will not abandon his plans just because you are not within reach. Arya wants to ride to the Vale afterwards and deal with him, I may be inclined to join her." He whispered.
Sansa and Harry continued on their path to where Arya and Jon were. They had separated from the main host so their wolves would not bother the rest of the mounts. Daenerys and Aegon were with them, along with Willas Tyrell who greeted them amicably. He was sitting on the ground sketching Ghost. Harry went to greet Jon while Sansa approached Willas.
"I did not know you drew." She said as she looked down at his sketch of Ghost.
"Not often, I find that I have less time for it, but I couldn't resist." He said motioning towards the direwolves.
"I'd never seen a dire wolf before, exceptional breed with a variety in coat colors. The illustrations in the bestiary at High Garden do them no justice. There are plenty of illustrations of dragons, I even made a few of my own. But not enough of the wolves. And the wierwoods are a good subject for drawing, each face is unique." Willas said in an excited animated voice that Sansa had not heard before.
"Your sister told me that you enjoy breeding animals."
"Very much so. It's fascinating how changeable hounds are after only a few generations. The variations along make them the most moldable species. I believe that they are descendants of wolves. When you look at how different each breed is you wonder at how so much change happened over such a short amount of time. Direwolves on the other hands don't seem to breed with normal wolves even if they hunt together. Nymeria led a large pack and never whelped a litter. Ghost is a fascinating specimen, I have never seen a mute wolf or hound, let alone an albino. Was your wolf…." Willas trailed off and looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry my lady. I forget myself. Often times my brothers tell me that I ramble worse than any maester."
Sansa smiled at him. "No offense given Lord Tyrell. Lady was a gentle creature, although she did not grow into adulthood. She had coloring lighter than Nymerias and yellow eyes. Lady was the smallest of the litter and the gentlest. She never bit anyone and did not like to play fight like the others. Arya promised me a pup if Nymeria ever whelped. " Sansa said watching the other wolves tussle.
"It almost gives credence to the old saying the kennel master told me. When you bond with a hound they become a reflection of you. Perhaps it's the same for your wolves. They do seem similar to their owners."
"We aren't their owners", Sansa gently corrected him. "We are their pack."
Willas stared at her for a moment with a strange expression. Sansa was about to ask him what was wrong when Harry called her over. She excused herself and Willas thanked her for the company.
"What did Willas want?" Harry asked looking over at the other man still sketching. "To ask me about Lady, he wanted to add his drawings of the direwolves to his bestiary."
"Ah," Harry said with a relieved smile.
"Were you jealous." Sansa smiled wickedly and he laughed. "Hardly, he's a cripple with more interest in scrolls than women."
Sansa frowned at him, "Don't be unkind, it's unworthy of you."
"He is a cripple and a scholar. It was not an insult, just a statement of fact." Harry said with a shrug of his shoulders. Sansa sighed and went to her sister who was speaking to Rickon.
"I want to go! They need to pay and I should be the one to bury my axe in Walder Freys head!" Rickon demanded. Arya stood firm and looked him in the eyes. "It's my kill to make, I was there when it happened. You can kill the Boltons or the Whitehills.
Rickon stomped his foot "I want to kill the Freys!"
"Mother says you are to stay." Arya said tilting her head up and holding her ground. "She's coming with me. Will you deny her? It was her throat they cut I think it should be her decision."
Rickon kicked the ground in front of him petulantly until Arya placed her hand on his shoulder. "I know, believe me I know the rage. I promise you we will have vengeance, I'll even bring you a gift."
"No, a gift for the gods." Rickon said suddenly calm. "Tribute for success."
Arya had a cold look in her eyes and nodded. "A gift for the gods"
Sansa suddenly felt a chill and looked behind her. Lady Stone Heart had arrived with the brotherhood. She was veiled but Sansa still felt her gaze. She clutched Harry's arm in fear and he held her tight. Arya noticed and shot Sansa a glare before going over to the lady. She spoke excitedly to the Lady with Rickon and Sansa looked away.
"Don't be afraid." Jon said "She's no danger to you."
"Just to my mother's memory." Sansa said bitterly.
Jon smiled sadly at her, "She is not long for this world. She returned with a purpose, once Frey and Bolton pay she will have no reason to exist here. Let Arya enjoy her while she can."
Sansa looked at her brother who had saddled his horse. "I thought you were staying?"
"I want to see this through, make sure Arya doesn't go over the edge." Jon said looking at his sister. "Gendry isn't enough, the Lady isn't enough, I hope I am."
Sansa clutched Jon's hand and looked him in the eyes, "Thank you, she needs us. I look at her sometimes and I do not recognize the woman she has become."
Jon patted her hand and nodded, "I will do what I can, but you know Arya has always done things her own way. Father was the only one who could change her mind when it was set."
"It's not nice to speak about someone when their backs are turned." Arya said from behind them.
Sansa turned and tried to apologize but Arya held her hand up. "I'm not some feral monster, I know what I'm doing and just because it doesn't fit with what you want for me doesn't make me wrong. I kill people, deal with it." Arya mounted her horse and rode off. The horn sounded and Arya rode ahead of the party to address the men.
"The Freys will pay for what they have done to our men, for breaking guest rights. The old Gods will not forgive their sins and neither will I. Whatever happens at the Twins I want you all to remember that you are my men, my father's men, Stark men. I hold you to a higher standard than all others, you will not run amok and dishonor the North. If I find out that any of you have killed a child or taken an unwilling woman I will personally geld you and feed your manhood to Nymeria and the Old Gods."
The men fell silent as Arya glared at them.
"Do your house and land honor, you are men of the North, blood of the first men. Do not dishonor my father's memory or my brother's. Now move!" Arya urged her horse forward and the men followed.
Jon hugged her goodbye and rode off, the Lady Stoneheart waved goodbye and Sansa tentatively waved back. The Lady rode away and Rickon followed atop Shaggy-dog. Sansa waited for him to return but that did not happen until the sun had set.
"She promised me his heart and head." Rickon said smiling when he returned. "It will be tribute for the Old Gods."
Sansa smiled nervously and let him hug her. What had become of her family?