I wanted to get this out sooner but I was really thinking about what I wanted to write for Tyrion's section. I am going to have a few events skipped ahead since I feel like I don't want to repeat the same canon events. Basically, I'm trying to get to the main points of the story that I'm writing.

Appreciate the new followers, and here's the new chapter.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own any of these character names or the story itself. George RR Martin owns all of these characters from his story ASOIAF.

Chapter 18: The spark of war

298 AC

Sansa

A gentle breeze fluttered through the trees, the red leaves scattering along the pond. Sansa hummed to herself, as she breathed a deep breath, the wind fluttering through her red hair. Another full moon had come; Sansa was completely exhausted from last night's transformation, her bones were slightly aching and she was completely sore all over. Somehow, the beast was able to escape her confinement and ran rampant in the forest. She had wished that Lord Reed had perfected the potion, but it was still out of reach. Still, Sansa held on hope that the cure will be perfected to ensure that no one will ever be hurt during her monthly excursions.

Currently, Sansa was in the Godswood's, in the company of all of the direwolves. There seemed like a connection between the werewolf and the direwolves; for every full moon, the wolves desired to join the werewolf. It seemed like the direwolves deemed Sansa as their "leader", even ignoring commands from her siblings at times. It was quite a sight to see, with five large wolves even at their young age, guarding her at all times. While Sansa appreciated, their motive for following her it was becoming unbearable at times.

A small gurgle from her stomach interrupted her thoughts. Her hand went to her flat stomach; the beast had managed to devour some critters last night, and the thought of that usually resulted in Sansa vomiting her guts the morning after. Sansa proceeded to stand up but, the weight of Lady, Nymeria, and Shaggydog prevented her from even standing up.

"Can you please get off me?" Sansa asked. Several whines came from the direwolves, each of them giving her puppy-dog eyes. "A little help here" Sansa called out to Summer and Grey Wind who were sleeping a few feet from her. Grey Wind would open his eyes slightly before falling back to sleep.

"Lady, Nymeria, Shaggydog, I command you to get off of me this instance," Sansa said giving an air of authority while staring intently into their eyes. The stare-off would last for five minutes; Lady would give a disapproving whine before nudging her sibling off Sansa's legs. She stood up, dusting her dress and straightening as best as she could. Sansa whistled to the sleepyheads, motioning them to follow. Lady as always walked in front, leading the way as the rest gather around her in a protective ring. As Sansa made her way out of the Godswoods, she would see the towering giant Hodor and Osha.

"Sansa!" Bran called out, waving out from behind Hodor. Sansa smiled and waved back, Summer would then take off running to his master.

"Hodor" "It's nice to see you as well Hodor" "Hodor" came another joyful response, a smile gracing the gentle giant's mouth. "Lady Osha" Sansa greeted her with a courteous and a bow. "Humph, no need to be so formal with me. Just call me Osha, young lady," Osha said impartial, her chains clanking against one another. "How are you doing Bran?" Sansa asked as she placed a comforting hand on Bran's arm.

"I'm fine. I have been riding a bit, it's really fun" Bran answered back quietly, a ghost of a smile etching his lips. Sansa was glad that Bran was coming out of his shell, slowly but surely his old self was resurfacing. "Is there any news from mother?" Sansa enquired, Bran, would shake his head as Hodor walked by her. Mother had left a while back to do some investigation about Bran's fall. She had suspected that the Lannisters were behind due to Aunt Lysa relaying a message about not trusting the Lannisters. Sansa was skeptical; considering the lack of proof and since the catspaw was longer alive to provide testament.

Still, mother implored what she believed; going down to King's Landing to find answers on who specifically hired the assassin. There was something more to the story, something was going and it felt like they were being played. "Something's on your mind little wolf" Osha interjected, breaking Sansa's thoughts.

"Oh, just merely thinking it's a nice day today". "I would say yesterday was better, especially since the moon was beautiful" Sansa froze in place, staring at Osha. "How do you—" Osha held her hand up, "I have seen many things child. I've seen the child of the forest, giants, the Others, and even monsters like you". Sansa gulped as she began hyperventilating, Osha recognizing that Sansa was panicking placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"You know, it is better if you accept that side of yours. The wolf is the same as you just like how you have the blood of the first men," Osha said as she walked alongside Sansa, running her hand through her direwolf. "I don't know if I can," Sansa said as she watched Hodor set Bran down near the pond, "It's never easier with every transformation". "You have a much easier time accepting your other half than for that Lord of yours making the correct brew".

"You seem like you know a lot about my curse, do you happen to know a cure for my condition?" Sansa enquired hopefully. "Not what I know. There were stories of folks like you, we called Lycans". "Lycans?"

Osha nodded, "Men or women that could change into beasts or other animals. Don't what happened to them, probably all died a long time ago or something". "So there isn't any info about them?" Sansa said as she deflated. "Not really, like I said they were stories. Most of the Free Folk use the Lycans as a way to scare their kids. Make them not stay after dark".

Sansa nodded, she would notice Meera and Jojen Reed making their over to where they are. "Lady Sansa, Osha" Meera politely said with her brother following suit. "Please call me Sansa, lady Meera". "By all means, the same could be said for me" Meera as she walked over and gave a few pets to Lady as her brother ran to Bran.

"I have to tell you something urgent Sansa," Meera whispered, "My brother said he had a dream of a flayed man poisoning a wolf". Sansa looked at her questioningly, "My brother thinks it could be about Lord Bolton but, he doesn't know why he would make such a dangerous move". Sansa pondered for a minute, "Well father never trusted that man, but I doubt he would try something that risky".

Meera nodded, "I mean my brother has visions and dreams but it's hard to interpret them since they can be so vague", Sansa watched as Bran and Jojen talked to one another in the distance. "Hey, can I ask you something Meera", "What is it?" "Does your brother or father know anything about skinchangers?"

Tyrion

It must have been days, at least for riding on this horse. Darkness enveloped his senses, as he would occasionally jump when his horse trotted faster on its path. "May I least know where would we be heading? Hello?"

Tyrion sighed as usually he was given the silent treatment; one may ask how he ended up here. It was days ago when he arrived at a simple tavern accompanied by Yoren from the Night's watch. He asked for a drink, food, and some beds for his companions for the night. He would then recognize Lady Stark behind her farce of a disguise. Lady Stark would then have her men arrest him without cause, tying him up and taking him to God knows where.

Eventually, he felt his horse stop in its track as he heard several shouts from the men. He felt the hands of some men hoisting him down, setting him down on his feet. The drape was removed abruptly, as the light blinded his senses, squinting as he began to scan the surroundings. It seems to be noon, with the sun hanging right above the mountain range that they were climbing. He was pushed forward as he saw Lady Stark and her guard stand, as he began walking forward towards them.

"Lady Stark", Tyrion said earnestly, "Thank you for making the trip so smoothly for me. May I ask now why did you kidnap me?" He was met with a grimy stare, devoid of happiness as if she was judging him. "You know why you are here." "Do I? I came to the tavern meagerly to get a hot meal, a bed and maybe a nice lady to warm it for me. It wasn't until you had your men draw their swords at my neck and then you tie me up to take to this place" he gestured to the wilderness. "Your words will do you no good, for you remain as my captive until I release you"

"My dear lady, what makes you think I will escape? Considering the landscape, it will be a while before a reach a town and that is if I find one. I could be killed by the hill tribes or maybe a shadow cat will eat me," Tyrion jokingly said flashing a smile to Lady Stark.

"Your japes are not noted, Lord Lannister. I wish for you to tell the truth" "I have told you the truth already, do you have a problem with accepting cold hard facts?" Tyrion said exasperated. "Why would I kill your son? What would I gain from it; especially since I gave him a gift to allow him to ride a horse again". Lady Stark was unmoving, her face as if she had swallowed a lemon, "I have been told you gave your knife to the cat burglar that tried to kill my son" "May I ask who told you this lie?"

Lady Stark remained silent, "I guess it must have been Littlefinger, that sneaky bastard. You know he bragged about taking both you and your sister's maidenhood" Her guard immediately gripped his sword, "Hold your tongue dwarf, unless you wish to lose it!" Tyrion shrugged his shoulders, "I only say what I heard, after all, if Lady Stark is well enough to believe Littlefinger then why shouldn't I?" "Petyr is my lifelong friend…" "Yet he has the gall to lie to you woman, can you not see the bigger picture that you're being played like a fool".

Tyrion huffed annoyingly as he shook his head in dismay, "I mean it's not your first time being deceived" "What did you say?" Lady Stark inquired, "I mean there is your husband, Lord Stark". "Lies! Lies, my husband has never lied to me," Lady Stark screeched at Tyrion, as some of the men at arms grew increasingly irritated by his words. "Honestly, if you used that head of yours you could have figured it out much sooner. Just put the pieces together and you would be able to figure out the puzzle" "Enough of your words dwarf, speak plainly and not in riddles", replied Rodrik Cassel.

"I mean the lie was in your face the entire time, the child that you despise the most Lady Stark" Lady Stark walked towards Tyrion, her statue towering over him, "What about the bastard?" Tyrion cheekily laughed, "Come now, surely you had your suspicions on who his mother was".

"The bastard is Ned's son and thankfully he longer resides in Winterfell" Lady Stark replied with disdain at the word "Bastard". "I think you would believe otherwise if you look at the evidence" "What do you mean evidence; Ned himself has said it to be the truth". Tyrion sighed, "I'm not denying Ned's word, I'm denying its existence" to which one of the guards hit Tyrion in the stomach with the hilt of his sword. Rodrik and two others quickly apprehended the guard and they pulled him aside. As Rodrik was off to the side reprimanding the guard, Lady Stark walked forward to Tyrion, "Are you insulating that my husband lied to me?"

"I mean do you honestly believe that the most honorable person next to Ser Barristan could be capable of such a thing," Tyrion asked as he dusted himself off. As silence was met between the two of them, Tyrion could only think of one thing; could this day get any worse?

Lord of the DreadFort

"Where is he?" Roose Bolton asked the frightened man for the third time. The hall was dimly lit, with skeletal hands jutting from the walls. "My Lord, my apologies we are searching quite extensively…" "Father!" the doors to the hall opened abruptly as his bastard strolled in, alongside the servant of his. "How are you father? Did you shave you are looking quite nice", as the bastard sat right next to him and started helping himself to the wine. Roose dismissed the man as he watched the bastard eat his fill, while his servant tried to help himself to the food on the table.

"You, get out, now". Roose said coldly to the disheveled man. The man would make a squeak of protest before scurrying off past the doors. "Now, tell me what were you doing?" "Whatever do you mean father?"

Roose ground his teeth, such an arrogant boy to talk to him in such a manner. "Do you think I am not aware of what goes on in my lands? Walton told me that you had gone with some of your riders in pursuit of a man into the woods". His son would take a sip of his cup before swallowing the food in his mouth, "The man was living in our castle without your notice Father, and I merely acted in your stead".

"Act in my stead", Roose scoffed, "Do you take me as a fool bastard? You and your band of misfits were out tracking a man down". The bastard nodded, "I assume this man was captured for a specific reason?"

His son set down his fork and knife, directly facing his father, "He's a man that Lord Stark and his daughter would like to know". Roose reacted with mild disapproval, "Really? If this man is who you claim to be, how did you manage to figure it out".

"Simple father, I just waited for the right moment to come along. Plus we had two nights to confirm our findings" he smugly said while chomping down on his sausage. Roose sighed heavily, as he rubbed his forehead. He was aware of said individual wandering in his lands hoping that his men would get to him first before Ramsay did. "Where is the man now?"

"In the dungeons", Roose eyes narrowed at Ramsay, "Took a few bits from him, unfortunately, he dwindled very shortly".

"Without my consent?" Roose's eyes gave off a deathly stare, as the air seemed to chill around him. "I was thinking Father, that we could perhaps use him for our ends. Think about; an army of loyal beasts under your command, we would be unstoppable". Ramsay got from his chair, "Convince some of the lesser houses to our cause, then strike out against the Starks".

Roose slowly rose from his seat, "I planned to capture the man alive and unspoiled. Maester Tybald would have been tasked with examining the physiology of the man". He would then get face to face with the bastard, "You really are a disappointment". Ramsay seemed to shy away from his father's words, as he struggled for words.

Roose didn't give his son a chance to retort, "Let me explain why your plan would never work. First, how would we even control these beasts for our said army? Second, do you think that we would gain support from other houses" a quiet laugh escaped his mouth. "The Starks are respected well throughout the North; we would be destroyed instantly if we ever tried to rise against them".

Ramsay seemed mortified by his father's sharp words, "You will hand over the deceased body of the man to Maester Tybald. It's my fault that I have been too lenient with you, I will be keeping you on a tighter leash from now on. Now go, and speak no more of this nonsense". Roose sat back down, as his son hotly walked out of the hall. Roose began to think; Ramsay wouldn't stay down with this idle threat. He would need to be more observant of his activities, especially with that girl of his.

Perhaps it was due time to send word to a certain family of his at Barrowtown.

Notes

If I had to choose who in George's story could possibly figure out Jon Snow's parentage is Varys, Littlefinger, Tyrion, Ser Barristan, and Doran Martell. I mean one could argue why no one pondered on it was probably since Jon's looks and the fact that everyone knew Eddard always spoke honestly.

Hope you enjoyed it, tell me what you think and I will see you all later.