Sansa lay back, closing her eyes to shut out the blinding sunlight. She felt a twinge of guilt over her joy as the memory of her family's death filled her mind. Slowly she sat up, the flower crown sliding from her head to land on the grass beside her.
A shadow fell over her, blocking the sun from her eyes. The Hound stood above her, silently watching her. She ignored him, instead digging her hands into the grass, clenching it tightly between her fists. His presence did nothing to alleviate her guilt, it only seemed to make it stronger.
"Found some pity for yourself, little bird?" His harsh voice grated against her ears. She closed her eyes, holding back the tears threatening to rush forth. He knelt befroe her, brushing back her hair. "Don't be too hard on yourself, girl. You've earned this freedom, even if it was at a great cost."
She found herself nodding and then he was gone. Squinting in the sunlight, she took a deep breath to calm herself before rising from among the fragrant flowers. Blinking back the tears, she took in the surrounding fields before looking at the buildings. A run-down stable stood a few steps from the house and she was pleased to see a well close by.
All of this is mine and mine alone. The thought did not comfort her as she pondered how long it would be before she was on her own in a foreign place with no friends. Sighing, she swung her hair back and started for the house, praying that it wasn't in too bad of condition.
Entering through the low door, she found herself in a small room equipped with a stone hearth and somewhat suitable furniture. To the left of the hearth was another doorway which led to a small bedroom. Thankfully there was a straw bed in one corner, a welcome reprieve from sleeping on the ground.
Sansa pulled the mattress from the frame, dragging it outside before emptying it. Shaking it, she proceeded to stuff it as full of dried grass as she could find. Retrieving her cloak, she dragged it back into the house and placed it back on the bed.
Turing to walk out, she suddenly stopped and spread the cloak out across it, stepping back to admire her handywork. With a satisfied smile, she sat down, her body instantly finding relief in the softness. She lay back and closed her eyes, her hair splayed out around her like a fiery halo.
She only intended to rest for a moment but fell asleep almost instantly, her chest rising and falling slowly. The Hound walked into the house, peering in through the door at her sleeping form before retreating.
xxxxxxxxxx
Sansa was awoke by the sound of jingling metal. Dazed, she looked around, confused before she remembered where she was. My new home. Reluctantly, she crawled off the bed and headed towards the door. She found the Hound outside, skinning another pair of rabbits. He glanced up at her as she walked out before continuing to clean the rabbits.
Pulling her hair into a quick braid, Sansa quickly gathered some dried grass and sticks. Carrying it inside to the hearth, she set to work building a fire. After a few moments, she finally got the grass to catch the spark she produced with the flint. Sitting back on her heels, she watched as the grass burned brighter.
She turned to watch as he finished with the rabbits. He handed them to her, walking away as she cooked them over the flames. Absentmindedly rotating the spit, she cast a glance over the fields, the setting sun casting a glow across the grass. The only sounds she heard was the dripping fat and the gentle breeze slipping through the fields.
Once the rabbits were cooked, the Hound brought her some bread and wine to eat with the meat. They ate in silence, staring out across the land. The sun had almost fully set by the time they finished, the only light coming from the fire. Sansa gazed up at the stars, still amazed at how clearly she could see them out here.
"What do you think of your new home?" The Hound's rasping voice interrupted her thoughts. She glanced over at his scarred face, slightly illuminated by the distant fire before glancing out across her land.
"It's beautiful, more beautiful than I'd ever imagined." She said thoughtfully.
"It'll take alot of work to get some good grain out of it." He took a drink before gazing at his water skin wistfully. "The men Sametyr sent with us told me that there's a market not far from here. We're gonna need some supplies...and some wine."
"Do we have the money for that?" Sansa asked, her brows furrowing.
"Just let me worry about that, little bird." The Hound leaned back, drinking more from his water skin. They sat in silence, the horse shifting around in his disheveled stable.
"What will you do after?" Sansa spoke quietly, her voice barely audible. She kept her eyes on the dancing flames, unwilling to see his face. She heard the jangle of his armor as he shifted his weight, sitting up to look at her.
"There's only one thing I've ever been good at and that's killing." He spoke firmly, watching her face closely as she studied the fire. Sansa sat frozen, her heart hammering against her chest as she listened to him talk.
"I figured that I can become a sellsword, maybe even join the Second Sons."He continued. "It'll be a harsh living but I'll make decent money out of it. And besides, I've known worse."He leaned back again, closing his eyes.
"And what will happen to me when you leave?" She stood quickly, unable to calm the storm brewing in her chest. His eyes popped open in surprise. "What happens when that man finds out that you're not my husband and I am all alone here?"
The Hound gape at her, mouth hanging open in astonishment at her passionate tone. Her face glimmered in the ominous glow of the fire as she continued to speak.
"You promised to help me, to keep me safe! Was that all a lie?" She spat the words at him, her blue eyes sparking with anger. "You said once before that you were no knight and it is true! So leave, join the Second Sons and do not weep when I am dead!"
She barely managed to choke the words out before making her escape to the house. Once inside, she closed the door and leaned against it, tears flowing freely. She sank to the ground, hiding her face in her hands as she sobbed.
He's going to leave me, just when I need him the most! The thought broke her heart as she felt all hope of ever being safe shatter into a million pieces. Her chest constricted and she gasped for air, her cheeks wet as she rose from the ground. Clenching her fists, she roughly rubbed away her tears, desperate to regain control.
Still breathing heavily, she stumbled into the bedroom. Not even bothering to undress, she sank onto the bed, curling up as her grief consumed her. Her night of sleep was fitful, full of nightmares and shattered dreams. When she rose in the morning, her dress was wrinkled and her eyes puffy and swollen.
Yanking her fingers through her hair, she quickly pinned it up before attempting to smooth the wrinkles from her skirt. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders, head held high as she exited the house. The Hound was saddling the horse as she walked towards him.
"What are you doing?" She asked in a brisk tone, keeping her face blank as she spoke.
"I told you, girl, we need supplies. I'm going to that market." His voice was rough as he cinched the saddle tighter.
"We're going." Sansa said firmly, gazing steadily at him.
"What did you say?" He demanded, rising to his full height to stare down at her.
"I said 'We're going.'" She said coolly, her eyes following his as they moved.
"Out of the question. You're staying right here." He snarled as he grabbed the reins, preparing to mount.
"No, I am going and you can't stop me." She snapped back at him. "If I'm going to survive on my own then I need to know how to get to the market, among other things." She moved to stand beside the horse, her face vacant of any emotion. He glanced at her, considering carefully.
Sansa narrowed her icy blue eyes at him and he cursed under his breath, hoisting her into the saddle. He swung up behind her, nudging the excited horse onto the path. "I know I'm going to regret this." He muttered as they broke into a gallop.