Author's Notes: Hey everyone, I am glad that you liked the last chapter and I hope that you like this one as well, as always I own nothing. SPOILER WARNING: There will be spoilers from the books.
Sansa stared at Tyrion for a moment, not sure what to say. She had known that he had gone over to Daenerys Targaryen so it was likely that they would meet at some point but now that were together she found herself unsure of what to say. Fortunately Tyrion made the first move. Rising from his seat he came forward and bowed.
"Lady Stark. I is good to see you again and in good health." He then turned towards Sir Massey.
"Forgive me Sir, I fear that I do not have your name." Sir Massey bowed to Tyrion.
"I am Sir Justin of House Massey of Stonedance. It is a pleasure to meet you. Though his words were kind it was clear that he did not mean it. Tyrion replied in a tone of equal insincerity.
"The pleasure is all mine." He turned towards Sir Barristan.
"Sir Barristan, would you kindly see Sir Massey and their escorted to their quarters. I wish a word with Lady Stark, I will see her to their quarters when we are done." After the others had departed Tyrion indicated the table and after they had both taken a seat he pour her a glass of wine. They sat and drank for a moment, then Tyrion began to speak.
"I must say I was rather surprised when I heard that you had escaped from the Faith Militant, I do believe that you are the only one who ever managed that. How did you do that, in the spirit of idle curiosity?" Sansa smiled enigmatically.
"Did you not hear the High Septon? I am a witch." He gave a little chuckle.
"The witch and the demon monkey, what a pair we made. It's a good thing that we separated, people would start to think I was your familiar." This made Sansa uneasy.
Their marriage had been dissolved by the King but the she was not sure that Tyrion would accept it. She knew that he had not wanted to be married to her any more than she had wanted to be married to him, but he was a man and men had their pride. In addition, she was lady of Winterfell and Wardeness of the North, his queen might be reluctant to allow such a prize to slip away. Some of what she was thinking must have shown on her face as he made a dismissive gesture.
"Fear not my lady. I heard of Stannis dissolving our marriage and I have no objection. The Queen would have declared the marriage still in force had I wished, but I think that we are both happier this way. The marriage was a mummer's farce from the start. Besides, I am now lord of Casterly Rock, or will be when the Queen triumphs and trust me I find the Rock more to my liking than the cold north." While this was true Sansa could see that he was being kind to her as well. He might be fond of the north but no man ever turned down more wealth and land in her experience.
"Thank you." She said simply. He nodded simply. They sat in silence for a little while and then Sansa began to speak again.
"What is the Queen like?"
"I don't know. I have been with her for some time now and I still do not always understand her." He paused and looked around as if looking for spies.
"She can be kind and I truly think she wishes to be a good and just ruler. But she is a Targaryen and she cannot deny her blood at times, though unlike her father she makes the effort." Several members of the King's council. Her thoughts were interrupted by Tyrion speaking again.
"Lady Sansa, we may no longer be man and wife but believe me when I tell you that this war is all but over. Dorne is on our side, the Reach will likely follow soon. The Vale has stayed out of the war so far and will likely continue to do so till a clear victor is chosen. The Westerlands will fight her and they will fail. The Riverlands will follow the Westerlands and share their fate. The Iron Islands will continue to think themselves strong and independent, till they see their ships burn in dragon fire. That leaves the North, whom only you can save. Give the Queen your oath and you can save your people from that fate. Your uncle is with you, if he too gives his oath the Riverlands can be spared the worst of what is to come." His words had struck at the heart of what she had been going through in her head on the voyage here.
Was she willing to risk her people for the sake of her pride? Her ancestor had knelt, why should she not? The King was likely done, as were all who had supported him. She now had titles and soldiers but with the coming of the dragons she was likely in as great a peril as when she was alone and surrounded by enemies in King's Landing. All of this; however, was irrelevant. She had made her decision and she would stand by it.
"I thank you Lord Tyrion, but I fear that I cannot do that. I gave my oath to King Stannis and I cannot forsake him. My honor would not allow it." He gave her pitying look.
"Your father and brother put their honor first. You know how this ends." Sansa smiled sadly.
"I know. 'More honor than sense.' Perhaps those should be my family words. Perhaps I will make it so. I am after all the last Stark." She did not mention her sister, whom she did not even know if she was still alive or not. Even if she was, when they died the family line would end. She did not want to think of that and was glad when Tyrion began to speak again.
"Sounds sufficiently depressing, which I suppose is in keeping with your family. I intend to change my words as well. 'Hear me roar!' Far too pugnacious for my tastes. I need something more reflective of myself. I was thinking 'Wine and Wenches' as something more appropriate." Sansa could not control herself and laughed aloud and Tyrion joined her.
"You know," he said after a moment; "I think this is the first time I have seen you laugh since King Robert went to Winterfell, it is a merry sight and you should do this more often."
"I have had little cause for laughter." She told him, then a thought struck her.
"You said that the Reach will come to you soon. Why should they, Margaery is married to your nephew?"
"They Tyrells are very pragmatic and we can give them something which my family cannot."
"What is that?" Sansa asked, he seemed to consider whether or not to continue and finally decided to.
"Protection. You may not be aware but the Iron Islands have not been idle. They seem to have lost their taste for the North and have turned their gaze elsewhere. They have seized the Shield Islands, from which they can sail all the way up the Mander to Highrarden. The Tyrells appealed to King's Landing for aid but received none, it seems it is preparing to receive the Queen.
"Daenerys is preparing to take the islands in the hope that returning them to the Tyrells will bring the Reach over to her side. If that happens she need not fight anymore, cold and hunger will bring the rest of Westeros to her, or so she hopes." He paused and gave a bitter chuckle.
"You know Lady Stark, with all these kings and queens, it has rather all been like a ball and those changing their loyalties like those changing dance partners. We all danced with Robert Baratheon and then we split apart. I danced with Joffrey, you danced with Robb Stark and the Tyrells with Renly. Then the Tyrells danced with Joffrey as well and then you stopped dancing and we danced with Tommen. Now I dance with Daenerys Targaryen and you with Stannis Baratheon, all the other partners whom we danced with have left the dance floor." Now Sansa shared his chuckle and hers was no less bitter.
"And round and round we go." He then gave her a look and though he had been drinking throughout their conversation his gaze was clear and hard.
"Indeed we do, but the hour grows late and ball nears the end. The music will stop soon and I pity those who chose the wrong partner."
Author's Notes: Well, what did you think? Was there wit enough for you? Fear not, I shall attempt to make more soon. What did you think of the new house words, appropriate? Till next time please pray for Asia Bibi, the persecuted Christians in Pakistan and elsewhere. Dona Perry, a missing woman with Alzheimer's, a child in the hospital after being hit by a car in Florida and all who are injured and victims of illness, human trafficking and kidnapping, the victims of the Japanese earthquakes, the fireman shot in Maryland and the family of the one who died there and the people suffering and missing from the Ecuador earthquake, those effected by the flooding in Texas and all others who need prayer. Bye and may Jesus bless you.