A few hours later Jon woke up to something fluffy tickling his chin. Looking down he saw a mass of of red hair laying on his chest. Sansa had moved from her side to curling herself onto his chest. He couldn't have slept more then three or four house but this had been the best sleep he had gotten in a long time. Looking out the window he could tell that it was a hour past dawn and he couldn't stay in bed any longer. Jon had promised to meet the men in his fathers old Solar, but after his promise last night he wouldn't do it without Sansa. Gently shaking her he left out a laugh when she swatted at his hand and grumbled for him to go away.
"Time to wake up." Jon said smiling
"Didn't we just fall asleep. She said groaning
" Were having a meeting in fathers Solar and your needed, Lady of Winterfell." Jon said
"Can I demand that this meeting be at noon?" Sansa asked pulling a pillow over her head
Jon laughed out loud this time, and shook his head. It was a odd thing to see his ever proper sister acting like the teenager that she was. Sometimes it was hard to think that they where only 16 and 18, this war had forced them into being adults so moments like this would have to be treasured. Looking back to Sansa he was taken back at how beautiful she looked when she had a smile on her face. She was peeking at him from the pillow smiling at Jon.
" Fine give me a few moments to get ready and I'll meet you there. " She said resigned.
With a quick bow Jon whistled for Ghost then grabbed his Boots and headed to his chamber to freshen up. By the time he had walked back Sansa was already waiting for him, the young women gone and back in her place a women ready to rule her realm. With a bow Jon offered her his arm and without a word Sansa took it and they headed toward the solar.
When they got there it was only Sir Davos and Tormund waiting for them. If either were surprised at Sansa being there neither said anything. They both bowed respectfully to Sansa and she motioned for them to sit down.
" Lady Stark…" Davos started
" Please we don't have to be formal here, call me Sansa both of you are part of the reason we are standing here. " Sansa said graciously
" Yesterday we won a battle but that doesn't mean we have won the war, theres still a lot to be done we may have a few days to mourn the dead but then its back to planning." Jon said seriously
" From what I have heard we have not only the South to possible deal with but also the threat of the undead." Sansa said
" Aye the White Walkers are coming and once they cross thay wall nothing will stop them." Tormund said
" We will need eachother, Jon has already allowed your people into Castle Black and now I extend that offer into the whole North. Our people are very differen't but hopefully will learn to coexist, I was hoping you would be our go between man". Sansa offered
Tormund didn't reply simply smile and nodded, Jon would make sure that this came to pass but he was also intrested to see what the young Wardeness would do with her power. From what he had heard she was smart and adaptable, she had survived the captiol and then a abusive reltionship from the cunt they had taken down yesterday.
They spoke for another hour discussing the possibilities of the up coming days, but the most pressing matter was to respect their dead. Moving all the bodies would be a great task and would take ever abled body men they had. Deciding to reconvien the meeting in three days they said their good bys and headed their separate ways. Sansa decided that she wouldn't sit inside and simply sew anymore she would go outside and help. Many were surprised to see the great Lady beside them helping where she could. They wanted to protest but soon were shushed when she stated simply "These are my people, and I may be a girl but that doesn't mean I can't help and show the respect they deserve."This made many smile that their great lady would get her hands dirty for her people.
Sansa knew she wasn't strong enough to lift the body's but she was determined to help. She made her way out of the gate to where the massive pyre was being built. The bases of it was already made and she knew she couldn't lift the large pieces but she could lay the smaller pieces that would be lit around. She worked diligently starting with the larger pieces and then slowly layering them with smaller pieces and straw. Four hours would go by before she stopped, and that was only to tell a soldier to have the cook prepair a simple meal for all those who where working and then she went back to what she was doing. Sansa wasn't hungry, she was determined she would show her worth and prove herself to the people. A name is what got her here, but she wanted the love and respect that he father had had. She wanted to be worthy of the name Stark and Wardeness.
Jon found her another two hours later doing the back half of the pyres circle. She was as dirty as the day she had come to the wall and her hair was in dissaray but she looked content. Jon wasn't surprised to see Ghost a few feet away, far enough to not get in the way but close enough should she be in danger. Walking over he placed a hand on her shoulder to get her attention.
" You should rest and eat ." He said
" Theres so much left to do , I can wait to eat." She said grabbing another logg
" They will still be here in a half hour, that's all I ask come eat with me Sansa." Jon said grabbing the log and dropping it to the floor
" I just want to be good enough, worthy of my people." She said with a sigh
" You are worthy, they will see it and know that you aren't just a name." Jon said sincerely
He held out his hand for her, it was the one she had cut the night before and without a word she took it. He led he a small distance away to a tent that had a table full of food waiting for them. As she passed, people nodded their heads in respect. She made sure to address each one asking how there families where and their stories if she didn't know them. Jon smiled as Sansa did everything perfect knowing exactly what to say and how to talk to the people.
Sansa made sure to wash her hands and face to before she sat down, challenging Jon with a look not to do the same. He chuckled a little at this because somethings would never change. They ate in a content silence both to exhuasted to really speak, but enjoying the others company non the less. Sansa put on a dazzling smile when a young maid brought lemon cakes to the table. With a quick thank you, Sansa grabbed one and took a big bite closing her eyes and savoring the taste.
Jon was the one who broke the silence, brining up funny stories of the past. Soon you could hear their laughter threw out the court yard. Many smiled as they passed the young Lady and Commander. They had known both when they were very little and it was nice to see laughter back in Winterfell. The time with the Boltons had been a terrifying, no one wanted to breath around Ramsy lest he got the ideal to take them hunting. Winter was indeed coming but everyone believed the young adults sitting before them would be able to get the North threw once again.
As promised after half an hour Jon escorted Sansa back to the task she had been doing, and he went back to helping to move the body's to the pyre. It would take them to nearly midnight and they would build a specilal Pyre for Wun Wun . He was a large part of the reasone they where able to take back the castle. When it was done everyone gathered around them and Sansa and Jon stood in front. There was much talking but as Sansa lifted her lighted torch everone quieted.
"I am Sansa Stark, Ned Stark's oldest daughter, and for four years I have been away from my home. Many things have changed; you the people have gone thru losing one great lord to declaring your independence with Rob as king to gaining another Lord. The years have not been kind and the war has destroyed so many things and that I can't change. We are the North though, we survive the harshest winters and the circumstances most can't. House Stark's Signil is the Wolf and the pack must stay together to survive. So we must unit as one to survive the upcoming winter. We will rebuild our homes and we will make this land as great as it once was. Here lay before me many lives that have died so that I may take my place as Wardeness, I plan to honor those who have died. I want to earn my keep and the respect of you, my people. " Sansa declared
The crowd cheered at this, many had loved her when she was little. But the Women standing before them was a true wolf and they would follow her to the ends of the earth. They had seen how hard she had worked, and the North always remembers. They had honored Eddard Stark, and they would honor his daughter.
A few of the houses who had been on the Bolton's side had sent someone to spy on the situation. All of these men found themselves mesmerized by the women in front of them. She was a true Northern Wolf and they would report back that allegiance should be given to the Starks. The North had been separated for far to long and it was time for them to reunite.