Arya had been in the practice yard, one of the Lannister soldiers had given her a straw man to practice on. She was determined to get better with her sword now that Sansa was widowed and childless. She knew that her position was delicate, that people would flock to them, trying to take what was rightfully Sansa's. Jabbing the end of her sword into the straw man she growled, "no one will hurt her again."

When Sansa had told Arya about everything that happened in Kings Landing, how Joffrey would have her beaten, Arya grew sick. She blamed herself, what if she hadn't run? Maybe they would have left Sansa alone. She swung her sword again, letting out a loud scream, it was pure frustration.

"Careful wolf-girl, you'll break that tiny thing in half." Sandor had been watching her from the shadows and finally moved out to talk to her. "That is a good sword to surprise a man with, but if you plan to actually fight a man, you will need something stronger."

Arya didn't look at him as he spoke, her face was stained with tears and she always tried to hide any weakness. "It's all I have, I'll find a way to make it good enough." She then stabbed the straw man again.

Sandor chuckled a bit and put his hand on her shoulder to get her to stop. "You're angry, if you let your emotions get in the way, you'll have no hope to defeat a man." He then turned her to face him, "you blame yourself for your sister's pain, but you shouldn't."

Arya looked up at him, how did he know what she felt, how she blamed herself? She shook her head a bit, "I shouldn't have left her alone, family is stronger when we're together. We're wolves, we cannot survive alone." She looked down at her tiny sword, "Joffrey wouldn't have touched her if I was there."

Sandor knelt down so he could look straight at her, "he would have. And he would have had you tortured as well. Possibly imprisoned. The only reason Sansa was not locked away in a dark cell was because of her betrothal to that little shit." He shook his head, "you did the right thing by running. Wolves also survive by instinct. Your instinct saved your life, many times."

Arya looked at him and sighed, "Have you ever seen her scars? She has them all over her back, and even some on her legs. And now the scars are growing on the inside, she's destroyed." She tried not to let any tears fall, "Sansa and I may have had our differences growing up, but I always loved her and still do. I can tell she's in pain."

"Aye…" Sandor nodded, "but having you by her side helps her more than you know."

"You really do love her, don't you?"

Sandor slowly stood to his feet, looking away from her as he spoke. "I'd give my life for her." He then turned to walk away but stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. "Go to the forge, the smith will measure you for a new sword, one that will do better in battle." He then walked off.

…

"My lady, you know many men will want to marry you now that you are a widow." Jaime had been sitting with Sansa in her room. He tried to get as close to her as he could, and when he saw Sandor going to the practice yard, he quickly made his way to her chambers. "Your hold over Casterly Rock and the North are weaker when you are unmarried."

Sansa rubbed her forehead slightly, watching the flames dance in the hearth. "And what would you suggest? Marry the richest of my suitors?"

Jaime laughed with a nod, "that would be a good move on your part, but it is not always about riches. Loyalty goes a long way too. You want to ensure that the Lannister soldiers would be willing to be loyal to the husband you choose." He grinned a bit, "Otherwise they would not fight for him, just you. And that could weaken our defenses."

She shook her head with a sigh, "you know, back in Winterfell. I always dreamed of marrying for love, I dreamed that my husband would be a man of my choosing and we would be madly in love." She finally looked over to him, "another stupid dream I had. I learned the hard way that dreams do not come true."

Jaime reached over, placing a hand on top of hers. "My lady, you must never give up on your dreams. You may not be able to truly choose your husband, but it is possible to grow to love him. You may even find it easier than you think."

She looked down at his hand on hers then back to him, "like Tyrion?" She smiled slightly, "I did and still do love him. But not a true love, ours was a friendship kind of love." She frowned a bit, "it did break my heart to learn of his death, though I hope he and Shae are now reunited, wherever they are."

Jaime nodded, "as well as my father and mother. They were each others true loves." He sat back again, "their marriage was arranged you know, but it made no difference. They were most definitely in love."

Sansa nodded turning her gaze back to the fire, "perhaps you are right. Perhaps my next husband I will love, and perhaps he will love me." She smiled a bit and looked at him, "thank you, it's been nice having someone to talk to."

He nodded, "of course my lady. I am here to serve you, but I am also here to be your friend. Anything you need from me I am willing to give." He then stood from his chair, taking her hand to place a light kiss on it. "Good day." He then turned and left her chambers.

…

"What in seven hells were you doing in there with her?" Sandor had appeared in the hall just as Jaime was closing the door to Sansa's chambers.

"The lady needed a friend, someone to talk to. I was more than happy to assist her." He gave Sandor a grin.

Sandor stepped closer to him, "I know what you're up to, it won't happen."

Jaime gave a look of confusion, though it was obvious it was an act. "I have no idea what you are talking about. The lady is practically my mother after she wed my father, I am only here to serve her." He winked a bit before walking past him.

Sandor reached out and grabbed the back of his neck, squeezing it enough to cause slight pain. "You will not lay another finger on her, you will not think about her and you will most certainly get any thought of having her out of your head!" He then shoved him away before storming into Sansa's room, slamming the door behind him.

…..

"Your grace?" Harys bowed as he entered the throne room. "You wished to speak?"

Tommen nodded, remaining seated on the iron throne. "We will travel to Casterly Rock, I wish to discuss the possibility of marriage to Sansa directly. Sending a letter by raven shows her no courtesy."

"Then you have decided?" Harys looked at him, still remaining below the dais of the throne.

Tommen nodded, "I have, but I will not say what my decision is before I speak to the Lady. You will prepare for us to travel. Send word ahead that we will be there within a fortnight, Queen Margaery will be joining me as well. You will remain behind to rule in my place while I am away."

Harys nodded and bowed, "I shall have a letter sent immediately and have everything prepared for you your grace." He then turned and left the throne room. The King was growing smarter with each day, Harys had faith that this boy would be the King they all needed.

…

(((I'm trying to get as much out as possible. I will be MIA from the 20th to the 27th. Hopefully I can write a lot before I leave)))

~Huggles~