A Holiday by Decree
~~Day 9~~
Eyes locked on Tyrion's earnest, searching ones, Sansa released her grip on her sleeve. A literal storm surrounded them, but Sansa was transported from it; Tyrion's words radiated over her, a warming embrace that surrounded her heart, promising hope beyond the fear.
Sansa's hand flew to her mouth. Overwhelmed, she gasped, "Tyrion, I-I would like that v-very much. "
Seven hells, Sansa lamented. It was so inadequate to what she wanted to say, but it made her all the more grateful for what had already gradually drawn her to Tyrion: his unusual intelligence and emotional depth. Therefore, when she clumsily put out the hand not managing her tears to him, he quickly understood and did the same.
Upon her rough nod, Tyrion's hand entering hers felt so warm and grounding, just as it had that horrid night in the Winterfell crypts. Years later, all too aware of how tragedy, time, and - yes, healing - had changed her, Sansa was also very aware of how desperate for more from him she really was. Not trusting herself yet though, she tried to focus on his touch and stopping her tears.
For a while they just stayed there, Tyrion stroking her hand with both of his. At some point they had turned to watch the calming wash of the wind and rain interspersed with flashes of lightning beyond the window panes. Though Sansa stood only in her bare feet, the brazier was near enough that it didn't matter. She also doubted she could feel cold at the touch of Tyrion's skin to her own…
Progressively Sansa's tears dried, and for the first time in hours, she relaxed. The Queen in the North still found herself taken by surprise when a long squishing, squeezing sound came up between them, apparently just the right pitch to be heard above the storm.
Sansa blushed furiously. "Oh gods," she half-moaned, half-laughed. What time was it? When had she last eaten? "I've been such a mess, I couldn't even eat," she sniffed.
"You too?" Tyrion chuckled, looking up and over at her. As he had before, he squeezed her hand reassuringly before letting go. He took a step back to improve his view of her. "You seem much better. What do you think? I can gladly go on reconnaissance and bring something back; or shall we make a mission out of it together?"
Sansa thought for a moment before turning back to the foot of her bed, where Hirat had laid her robe across the padded chest stationed there. "Let's go together,"she answered, pulling her arms through the sleeves.
As she did so, Tyrion looked to the side. He smiled over at their shells lying on the table there. "You know, seeing these as I came in gave me courage."
Sansa smiled back shyly. "I'm glad - I'm sure I had you scared, as clearly I even scared myself."
"Happens to the best of us. Shall we go, my Lady?" Tyrion said kindly, offering his hand out to her again.