Chapter 16
_ I will have the Lord of Winterfell's chamber prepared for you, Sansa – Jon Snow's words took the young woman out of her period of contemplation of the horizon whitened by the snow that insisted on falling since the reconquest of her home. Home, Sansa could swear she did not truly feel at home. Not yet.
_ Our father and mother's room? You must stay in it, Jon. – Catelyn's daughter tries to sound as gentle as possible, considering that her bastard son was leading the troops that reconquered Winterfell the day before. For all intents and purposes, she thought that Jon would like to assume the role of new Lord of the North, apparently, she was mistaken.
_ I am not a Stark. – Jon mentions, approaching the castle parapet and also observing the blizzard that took over everything around him.
_ You are for me. For all of us. – Snow tries a shy smile from the corner of his mouth, but refuses to take over the rooms that once belonged to the late and true Protector of the North.
_ You are the lady of Winterfell now, Sansa. We are here because of you. We would have lost the battle without the Knights of the Vale. And they came only because of you. – the girl looks at her brother again and shows some regret for not having shared such valuable information that ended up deciding the course of the war - You told me that Lord Baelish sold you to the Boltons. Do you trust him?
_ Only an idiot would trust Littlefinger. I should have contacted you about him and the army of the Vale. I'm sorry, Jon. – the sincerity in Sansa's voice ends any resistance and the former Lord Commander of the Night's Watch approaches for a caress.
_ We need to trust each other. We cannot wage war among ourselves. We have too many enemies now. – he places a soft kiss on his sister's forehead and intends to move away when he hears a third person approaching. Robb Stark joins his brothers in time to confirm the revelation of an old promise.
_ I'm glad you're here, Robb. – the eldest Stark approaches and warmly embraces his sister – There's something important to tell you. A raven came from the Citadel, a white raven. Winter has come.
_ Our father always promised, didn't he? – the Young Wolf comments smilingly. However, the moment of fellowship between the brothers would not last long, at least for now – Now, I'm sure I must hurry and hit the road again to Castle Black. Some of the Free Folk are eager to join their own, and others don't want to be here when the southern convoy arrives.
_ Let them know that they are most welcome to return whenever they want. Some of them or all of them who remained at Castle Black. We wouldn't be here if we didn't have the help of the Free Folk. – Sansa's honest and thoughtful speech surprises both siblings.
_ Our mother would be proud, Sansa. You spoke like the true Lady of Winterfell. – Robb compliments his sister on her beautiful words, before having the opportunity to ask about his younger brother's condition. With so much to assimilate and accomplish since the reconquest of the castle, he has had little or no time to be among his own.
_ I believe we would not be here celebrating the return of our younger brother without the help of Princess Diana. – Jon recalls, spotting the warrior mentioned below in the castle courtyard – I feel more at ease seeing that the princess will be part of your entourage to Castle Black, Robb. – the unexpected comment, bordering on a joke, makes Jon and Sansa laugh.
_ The best company you could have, brother. After all, Diana practically saved all of our lives, several times. If I may say a few more words for your consideration, don't let her go away ever again. – advises his younger sister.
Robb feels the good will to return the smile of his loved ones and does not need to respond to Sansa's witty comment when she hears her name being called by someone. And the three Starks gathered together already knew that voice well enough to know who it was. The young Amazon was eager to conquer the new world again and explore the landscapes covered by the enchanting white layer that she had not yet gotten used to calling snow.
Since the reconquest of Winterfell and the strong possibility of pacification in the North, the Northman and the Amazon have rediscovered their path to each other.