Her skin felt as soft as porcelain. Warmth radiated from her cheeks as her chest rose gently from her small breaths. I hadn't even noticed my hand tracing the Little Birds lips.

What in bloody hell was I thinking?

I retracted my hand away from her as silently as I could.

I hadn't felt like such a fool in ages.

The corner would be my bed for the night. It was better if I stayed away from the Little Bird; it would be for her own good.

I was restless all throughout the night. I dreamt the same dream yet again. Blood covered my hands as my knees gave in to the pressure on my shoulders. The sky was a scarlet hue. The Little Bird stood a ways from me, a smile as radiant as the sun on her face. And then, in an instant, she was gone. And I feared the blood on my hands was not of my own.

Was I a danger to her? Did I threaten her life...?

I could feel the sweat pour down my neck as I awoke in the inn. The night was soundless, except for the Little Birds breathing.

It took my whole strength to keep from approaching her once again.

My hands yearned to feel her delicate face.

Seven fucking Hells.

...

The morning was surprisingly chilly. I awoke to the sounds of chickens, the townspeople already busy so early in the morning. The rays of the warm sun crept along the stone window.

I could barely keep my eyes open as the suns light softly hit my face. Instantly, I could feel my lips warmer than usual. And then I remembered the night before. Could it have been a dream...?

I could faintly feel the gentle hand follow the curvature of my lips.

No...it could have not have been real. He would not have done such a thing.

Yes. It was just a dream.

Yet, part of me did not want it to be.

I had not even noticed the emptiness of the room. The small wooden room was barren as I looked around my surroundings.

Sandor was gone.

I told myself to calm down, but I could feel my heartbeat increase. Where had he gone...? Had he finally gotten tired and rid himself of the burden...?

I got up from the creaky bed, standing and ignoring the stiffness of my limbs.

Had he abandoned me..? I...I would not have minded. I knew he would have eventually become tired of running around with a cowardly girl. But he could have said farewell. I had not noticed the tears already beginning to fall.

A large thump was heard at the door. Suddenly the door swung opened as Sandor walked in with a parcel in hand. My eyes widened at the sight.

"Aren't you going to sing? Usually little birds sing a melody or two in the morni-", he stopped suddenly as he looked at me.

He had discerned my reddened face and watery eyes. Oh no, I thought. I did not want him to know I had been afraid he had left, that he had gone from my life.

"Little Bird, what the hell has happened? Has there been someone here? I'll kill the bloody bastard and-"

I looked downward, hiding my childish tears.

"Nothing. I just... nothing, do not fret about it. "

He did not seem convinced.

"Truly", I continued, "everything is alright. I did not see you and thought you had gone. That's all."

He frowned as he dropped the parcel unto the bed.

"I thought I made it clear, Little Bird."

Like he always did when he wanted to prove something of importance, he cupped my chin and held my face inches from his.

"I'm not leaving you."

I smiled a true smile, as he became red and let go of my chin.

He chuckled as he sat on the bed.

"Besides, I'm a wanted man, aren't I? I'm dead anyway. Might as well have a merry little voyage."

He took the small parcel and began unwrapping it.

"What is that?", I asked curiously. It smelled quite lovely.

"Heh, maybe your little plan has worked for us, Little Bird. A dirty little man gave me this little present just because of you. "

The parcel contained fresh bread and baked fish. The aroma filled the room in seconds. I could feel my stomach growl.

"Wait! It could be poisoned, Sandor! Please be careful."

I warned him as he took the bread and divided into two.

"This isn't poisoned, Little Bird. That bastard just wants you and thought he could buy you with some food." He laughed as he took a bite of the fish.

It seemed I was wrong.

We ate our breakfast and left the inn as fast as we could. We could not stay in Tintouth for long. Part of me will miss the busy town.

We rode almost two days through the countryside. I could feel the heat dwindle down to a soft chill as we rode closer and closer to the North. Sandor and I only stopped when necessary. There were times I wanted to get off of Nero and walk among the flowers or plains but I knew Sandor would think it foolish.

I knew we were near Winterfell. Our surroundings slowly became filled with dark green hills and rocky soil.

My heart became lighter with Nero's every step.

I wanted to arrive soon, to feel the coldness of the North. But I knew we had to stop for the night and rest. Nero had been running endlessly for days. I made sure to find a treat for him.

The cold had settled among us. We would stay on the hidden side of a large hill. I started to build a fire as the full moon appeared slowly behind the plains. It took upon a yellow hue, then shifting to a white milky color. Its beauty had distracted me for too much time; the flames of the fire had touched my hand.

A small scream escaped my lips while a dark, red burn appeared on the top of my left hand. The pain was indescribable.

Sandor was at my side in seconds.

"Damn it all, Little Bird, what have you done to yourself?"

He took my hand as he stroked it gently; the pain slightly melted away.

Without a word, Sandor ripped a part of his sleeve and wrapped my hand into a warm ball. Although the aching would continue for the rest of the night, the searing pain had diminished.

"Stay away from the flame, girl. And thank your gods it was your hand. Another part of your body and you wouldn't be standing", Sandor declared as he sat next to me.

He knew what it felt to have hell pierce his body. His face was a constant reminder.

I held my hand softly.

"Thank you. I appreciate everything you have done", I replied.

He laughed as he looked up at the stars. I smiled to myself. We had spent too much time together.

"I mean my thanks, Sandor. You may not think it true, but I mean every word."

I said this as fiercely as I could. Maybe then he would believe me.

It seemed to work as Sandor looked away and mumbled something under his breath.

What does he think about? He was such a guarded man, spoke only when necessary, and swung his sword the rest of the time.

But on this night, I wanted to speak to him. Something pulled me forward, closer to him.

"Sandor…", I began to say. He always had that slightly annoyed expression. But I continued against my better judgment.

"What is on your mind, at this very second?", I asked casually. The instant the words left my lips, I felt extremely imprudent. Yet, I waited for an answer.

Surprisingly, Sandor chuckled.

"My brothers head on a spike", he replied with scorn.

I subconsciously stroked my throbbing hand as he spoke. I knew he was thinking of more, but I did not want to upset him.

The moon was just above our heads while the small fire cracked. In the corner of my eye, I could see Sandor stroke the scorched side of his face. It was not the first time had seen him do this action. Although the burn occurred many years ago, the pain seemed to still trouble him.

I rose from the fire and knelt beside him.

Part of my being screamed at me for such un-ladylike act.

The other part screamed back in defiance: no longer.

Sandor looked shocked at the small space between us. I grasped his face with my hands, ignoring the pain from my left.

I began to gently stroke his burn just as he had done to mine. His steel eyes soften to a metallic haze. The aggressiveness that was always apparent had disappeared.

I smiled as his dark eyes met mine.

And at that moment, I could remember the first time I saw him in Kings Landing, the times he had saved me, and the times he was my only comfort.

And now, it was my turn.

It was rapid, but it left warmth on my lips.

I kissed his charred cheek, as I closed my eyes under the stars. It was a simple gesture, similar to the thanks I had given Lord Tyrion. But this kiss felt different.

It felt true.

He would leave me soon, I knew it. I would see my household again, and Sandor would go, find his own home and leave in peace. Before I had realized it, my heart began to ache.

This time, He would leave me.

I rose before he could say a word as I walked up the hill with the help of the moons light.

Winterfell was among those small peaks. I could feel the cold through my veins. It called me forward.

I glanced above me once again. A bright shooting star passed swiftly below the moon. I wished for vengeance against those who had hurt anyone I loved.

I wished for guidance, I wished for strength.

I wished for peace.

Thanks to those that have reviewed/favorited ! They are greatly appreciated . All storyline including Tintouth was created by yours truly.

I will try to update very soon! :)

~Adryanna