The sweat dripped down Sansa's back, seeping through her dress. The sun was shining, it's bright light blinding as she pulled at the overgrown grass that had grown among the crops. Swiping her sleeve across her face, she caught the sweat beading on her forehead before it ran into her eyes. Blinking, she shielded her face from the sun, watching as the Hound worked.
It had been almost six weeks since Sametyr had come to their farm and they hadn't seen him since, not even at the market in town. A grain of fear was embedded in her chest, worried that he might try to get revenge. But the Hound was confident that he would never have the courage to return; he took Sametyr's absence as a sign of acquiescence.
A curse rang out, calling back her attention to the Hound. He was struggling to finish the pen he was building and she couldn't help but smile as she watched him. The last trip to the market, he'd surprised her by buying a piglet. She knew fully well that he meant it for food in the future but that would never happen, not once she'd gotten hold of it.
Standing to her feet, she threw her coppery braid over her shoulder before filling her arms with the grass. She wandered towards the fire pit, spreading the grass out beside it to dry in the sunshine. Sansa stretched her back, looking at the progress they had made since their arrival.
The fields were almost completely weeded, with the exception of some of the flowers that she planned on transplanting later. The stable looked more like a stable than it ever had and now the pigpen was almost finished. A satisfied smile settled on her lips - this is all ours.
But the last few weeks had brought back her nightmares. A shiver ran down her spine despite the sunshine as she recalled last night's dream - her mother and brother's deaths coupled with the riot at King's Landing. That wasn't the first time he'd come to her rescue, nor had it been the last. Her eyes involuntarily lifted, following his form as he worked.
She found herself walking towards him and she shifted slightly, heading instead for the stable. The horse stuck his nose out as she approached, his chocolate eyes following her very movement.
"Hello there, boy." She whispered, gently rubbing his velvety nose. "And how is my dear Ser today?"
The horse nickered in reply, nudging her with his head. Sansa beamed at him, gently kissing his nose.
"He's doing the same as he was yesterday." Grumbled the Hound, moping his face with his sleeve as he stepped into the stable. "And he'll be the same tomorrow - tired and sweaty, probably thirsty too."
Sansa glanced at him, smirking at his complaints. "And what about my sweet little piggy, how is she doing today?" She moved past him and out of the stable, heading for the crate that sat beside the pen. A squealing met her ears and she knelt, opening the cage to pick up the squirming mass of pink.
"There, there little one. It's alright." She soothed as she cradled the piglet. The Hound had followed her out and stood watching as she cooed to the animal. After a few moments, Sansa placed the piglet back into her crate, securing the door tightly before standing to face him.
"You do know what the best part of that animal is, don't you?" He growled a smile playing at his lips.
"We are not eating her." She stated firmly, glaring up at him.
"You don't know what you're missing." He shrugged, picking up his ax. He heard a huff and turned to watch her stalking away, hair trailing behind her in a fiery blaze.
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The stars filled the sky, filtered through a smoky haze as the fire burned. Sansa closed her eyes, relishing the quiet of the night. She felt so peaceful now.
"What are you thinking about, little bird? Dreaming of some far-off paradise?" The Hound's gravelly voice interrupted her thoughts and she slowly opened her eyes to see him watching her intently.
"No, I don't dream anymore." She said quietly, looking away as she said it, afraid he'd know that she wasn't telling the truth.
They sat in silence, staring up at the stars. Sansa reached up, quickly undoing her braid as she tried to release the tension building in her neck. She shifted, tired but unwilling to move. The Hound's voice broke the silence again, startling her.
"I've been thinking-" He paused, his dark eyes boring into her. She waited with baited breath as he swallowed before continuing. "Ever since that man came here, I can't help but think we're not as safe as we think."
Sansa nodded slowly, her hair swinging across her shoulder. She wondered where he was going with this but couldn't find the words to ask
"I want to give you my name." He stated, glancing away before looking back at her. "House Clegane is neither old nor honorable but it does strike fear in men's hearts, even all the way across the Narrow Sea. And that can be quite useful, especially for you."
Sansa froze, momentarily stunned by his suggestion. She peered at him, searching his face for any emotion.
"I know I'm not one of your pretty, honorable knights but I'll keep you safe. And I'm not asking anything from you." Shock filled her but before she could reply, he hurried on. "I won't ask to share your bed - ever."
Sansa shot up, her heart falling. He doesn't love me, not truly! She forced herself to breathe normally and wiped all emotion from her face, shoving the wayward thought aside.
"I don't dream about knights anymore, they're just fairytales made up to woo stupid little girls." She snapped, her blue eyes electric in the moonlight.
"You would be free to marry again but all my lands would belong to you." He watched her face carefully as he spoke, choosing to ignore her outburst. "It is for your protection."
Sansa's head dipped as he fell silent. She thought for a moment before raising her head high.
"And if I wished to return to Westros, what then?" She asked, her voice firm.
"Then I'd make my way to the Second Sons, just like I'd originally planned." The Hound shrugged, leaning back.
"And if I asked you to go with me?" Her hands were shaking slightly so she clenched them beneath her skirt.
"If that's what you wanted, then I'd go back with you." He replied, staring up at the night sky.
"There isn't even a godswood for us to be married in." She whispered, swallowing quickly
"I don't much see the point in it." He growled as she glared at him.
Abruptly Sansa stood, her heart beating violently as her mind whirled.
"I need to think about this." She murmured, her head beginning to ache even more.
"It was just a suggestion." He muttered, closing his eyes. "It's going to be a long day tomorrow - you should get some rest."
Santa headed for the house, pausing to glance back at his relaxed figure illuminated by the flames that were slowly dying down. She hurried inside, barring the door behind her before making her way to the bedroom. Slipping off her dress, she collapsed on the bed. At least no nightmares will plague me tonight.
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The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting an eerie green glow on the forest floor. Sansa glanced around, the cool air still and silent beneath the trees. After a moment, she began walking forward. She was looking for something, that much she knew but what, she didn't know.
Suddenly she caught sight of a red flash and she quickened her pace until the trees opened up into a small clearing. In the midst sat a large white tree, it's leaves emitting a red glow over the stream beside it.
Santa stopped, staring at the weirwood in amazement. But there are no godswood in Essos! Cautiously she crept nearer until she stood directly before it's face, bloody tears streaming from its eyes.
Come to me. Whispered the voice inside her head as she stared into the lifeless eyes, the perpetual tears slipping down its chalky wooden cheeks. Come to me.
Sansa's eyelids fluttered, opening to darkness surrounding her as she sat up. Her eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, a hint of light appearing in the sky. Dawn is coming. She thought as she slipped from beneath her covers.
Standing in the darkness, her brows knit together as she considered the dream. She shivered, the cold of the morning penetrating her shift. Sansa quickly dressed, pinning up her hair as she thought. It was just a dream. My mind was full of the godswood and the werewood.
She pulled the cloak from the bed, wrapping herself tightly in it. Maybe it's time to let this go. It really seems to bother him. But still... Sansa blushed at the thought of her wedding night before she remembered the Hound's words. Instantly she sobered, the thought quickly fading from her mind.
Quietly she crept out of the house, keeping a safe distance from the stable. The horse shifted, snorting softly as she passed. Sansa froze, straining to hear movement. The horse quieted down and she continued on her way, scanning for any decent plants to use as dye.
Suddenly Sansa spotted a grove of trees not too far from her and curiosity filled her. It didn't take long for her to approach them and she wandered inside, looking for greener vegetation that would produce a more vibrant color.
As she walked, she noticed that it seemed slightly familiar. The sun was just beginning to rise and the sunlight streamed through the leaves. Shaking off the feeling, she discovered some suitable plants and began gathering the foliage.
The hairs on her neck stood on end and she felt a presence behind her. Slowly she turned, expecting to see a person but there was nothing. Gingerly she stepped forward, peering through the greenish glow. Ahead, she glimpsed a change in the light that drew her interest.
Slipping through the trees, she saw a pool of water. Hovering above were white branches adorned with bright red leaves. Sansa stared in awe at the face of the weirwood. It was calling to me. She thought in amazement as she reached out to stroke the bark.
Gently brushing her fingers across the trunk, Sansa felt peace rush through her. A calm smile crossed her face as she knelt down at the base, her lips moving in silent prayers.
Almost an hour later, Sansa exited the grove, her arms full of leaves and heart full of tranquility. She ambled quietly back towards the farm, glancing back at the grove. Now she was ready to make her decision.
[A very big thank you to xXCourageousXx for helping me out with my godswood problem and for letting me pick her brain!]