Dusk had just fallen when they reached the edge of the forest. Their way had been slow through the dense trees but Sandor knew it wouldn't be much longer before they reached the end of it and so he pushed on until the trees grew thinner. He chose to stop just within the forest for shelter. Travelers were rare these days but still he didn't want to take the risk, not so soon. They had to at least make it to the world of the living so that if anything might go wrong the little bird could flee for help.

He sat Sansa up with the task of organizing their camp and went to set out some traps himself. Twigs snapped under him as he made his way through the woods.

There was still a hard chunk of bread left which they could share that evening and if they were lucky his traps would be successful and they would have plenty to feast on tomorrow too.

It would still be a few days before they reached the cottage. Sandor hadn't actually liked the idea of returning to that place all that much. He wasn't even that sure it was entirely safe. But he felt he needed to show he still had the ability of leadership to the little bird, to prove that she could rely on him. Besides, he found himself in a situation he never expected to be in and he needed a place to wrap his mind about things. At least the place was quiet so that he could clearly think. He was grateful to have the little bird by his side, but it also meant that they were now both in a dangerous situation. A situation which he didn't plan on ever having again. Her presence disturbed the peace he had built in a way she could never imagine.

As he wandered through the forest to set up the traps, he couldn't help but stand still every once in a while to listen if anything was amiss. He didn't stray very far in case something were to happen. If she'd scream he would definitely still be in ear's reach. He already found himself protective over her, even if he tried his best not to show it, and they weren't even out in the open yet. He had failed her before, and he swore he wouldn't do so again. If there was anything those buggering Gods kept him alive for, then he wanted it to be this.

Soon enough his work was done and when he returned the little bird was already curled up on her bedroll, too tired to even think of dinner.

It must've been exhausting for her too, even if she didn't have to walk.

Sandor fed and brushed Stranger and then placed his own bedroll away from her, angling it so that he could keep an eye on her.

Her features were relaxed and it seemed she was already far gone. Even though she had changed and the ways of the world had hardened her, she was still the most wondrous thing he had ever seen, maybe even more so.

Her own auburn color was beginning to show through the dye and he wondered if she had even thought of bringing a new wash of the stuff with her. In secret he hoped not, but he knew it would be safer is she kept her natural auburn color hidden while they were on the road. They couldn't afford to get any attention on them, better if the world thought them dead.

He had set out North to honor her memory one last time, she was the last chapter of his former life that he had to close. But now that she was here he began to wonder if he hadn't taken the route close to the Vale on purpose. When the Maid of Tarth had come to the Quiet Isle he had told himself that it couldn't be true. That she was gone, just like him. It was only now that he realized that he had thought wrong. Just as the Hound had died, a part of the naive child she had been had died too, but she was still here, in all her glory. What remained was the person they needed to be to make it through the day. And somehow their ways had crossed once again. Elder Brother had told him that he needed to make his own path, but how could he, now that they found themselves on the same road? He only knew that he didn't want to stray from it so soon. The lie about him telling himself that she was truly gone had only existed because he had failed her, and as ever he was still the cowardly dog, afraid to admit his wrongs. He would stay on their joined paths, he would right his wrongs and learn from them. Only, he still felt afraid, being in her presence under these circumstances. What if things went wrong and he couldn't keep her safe? There were so many dangers lurking in every shadow. At times, he was still afraid to be one of them. Yet, he knew he did have the capability to keep her safe, to right his wrongs and become a better man. He would make sure she wouldn't ever be frightened because of him again, he would become trustworthy.

Holding onto that thought he took one last glance at a peaceful sleeping Sansa. Night had now engulfed them completely and he heard her exhale deeply before he closed his own eyes.

He had awoken before dawn. Mostly because he was used to do so, but also because the little bird had been murmuring in her sleep for quite some time now. There weren't any words, just gibberish, but it alerted him all the same. He kneeled beside her but as soon as he did she stilled and seemed to peacefully sleep on. She would have to wake soon but he could at least give her some more minutes rest.

His leg was paining him this morning and he grunted when he got up to gather back his traps. The few days of walking he had done had seemed too much of a deal to the wound. At least they would be able to ride today as they left the forest behind them.

It seemed they were lucky with food as he soon came upon the first successful trap. They were still close to the river which proved to be a valuable source of both water and food.

When he returned to the camp she was just awakening. Her hair was a mess and she was obviously not aware of his return when she sat up and stretched. He could perfectly see her shape, including the outline of every single rib.

He swallowed at the sight. Somehow he would have to keep a steady income of food for her. She was from the North and stronger than she looked like, that much she had proven out here in the woods, all on her own. But she wouldn't last forever if the cold were to really settle in. They had been lucky these past few days to have a freshly cooked meal, but Sandor knew that luck didn't last very long on most occasions.

Putting the catch down, the little bird finally noticed him.

"Good morning," she said politely as she stared at him with sleepy eyes.

"So far it is," he grumbled as he nudged their breakfast with his boot. "You can prepare those?" He knew she could. Better she kept at it too in case it would be needed in the future. He could cook for them both, but who knew when circumstances changed and she'd have to do it on her own?

She nodded at him and soon enough she settled herself with the task.

It was odd to watch her skin the animal with that dagger she owned, now that he knew she had taken a life with it. He was surprised when she told him the story. She didn't seem up to tell him about it at first, but he was glad she did. He knew now that sharing and recalling certain events was important to ease your mind. Especially when you've had to lie for so long. Admittedly he was shocked when she told him about the chase with the clansman. But he felt an incredible relief when it showed that she could defend herself, if only for a little bit and with a lot of luck. He would have to teach her more on the subject eventually if the road would get more dangerous. And it was bound to do so.

Their walk to the edge of the forest only took about half an hour and he was glad for it. He had been forced to limp more as the pain in his leg started to surface more and more. The little bird didn't seem to notice it as she was already seated high upon the horse, same as the day before.

As soon as the forest dissolved around them Sandor wasted no more time and swung upon the horse behind her.

She tensed a bit as his arms wrapped around her to grab the reins. And he tried to shift back in the saddle as far as possible but it didn't help much. She had her hood pulled up over her head to shelter her from snow drifting from the trees. He had told her beforehand that she'd best keep it up when they emerged from the wood.

It was sunny but cold, although it was a lot warmer now that they were both seated on the horse.

He spurred Stranger to a trot for a while to set a good pace for the day. If they kept on this way it wouldn't be long before they reached their temporary destination.