#like if Sansa was doing the same I could see it but she..isn't? Her approach is much closer to Catelyn's than Ned's

[christabellanikolai]

The Untitled: Chapter 3

Sansa and Arya confront Daenerys and Jon makes a promise. 

Warning: Contains spoilers based on plot leaks for for season 7 episode 6. Read at your own risk!

Also available on [Wattpad] [AO3]

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Within the Lords Chamber of Winterfell, the remaining three Starks sat around the bed of their oldest brother. Sansa and Arya both sat at his side holding onto his hands while Bran sat at the foot of the bed. On the other side of the room, the Maester finished up his assessment of Jon. 

“The ribs are healing slowly.” He informed the three wolves. “Fortunately there appear to be no more signs of an infection. His leg is also on track toward recovery.” 

“What does that mean?” said Arya bringing his hand to her cheek. Despite his condition, he still held the same warmth she had remembered.  

“It means we just have to wait and see my lady. I will continue to slowly administer the Milk of the Poppy.  He needs complete rest in order for those ribs to heal.” 

“Thank you Maester Wolkan.” Said Sansa rising to her feet. “I must go to my chambers now, please Arya and Bran watch over him while I am gone.” 

“Why are you leaving?” asked Arya 

“I have to speak with Daenerys Targaryen.”

“Tell her to leave!” Snapped Arya. “I am sure she is the reason he is hurt.” 

"She isn't…" said Bran, his eyes distant as he spoke. "She tried to save him."

As she made her way to the chambers Sansa was met by Ser Davos who informed her that the Dragon Queen was waiting for her. Despite Bran's words, she was still hesitant to approach the young ruler. "Ser Davos, what do you make of her?” 

"Well, my lady if I am being honest I have heard nothing but good things. Just like Jon, she aims to be a ruler for the people.” He said walking with her. “While I think they got off to a rough start by the time we got to Eastwatch the two of them had grown quite fond of one another.” 

“A Targaryen and a Stark growing fond of each other has lead to nothing but destruction in the past." Said, Sansa. 

“Jon is not a Stark my lady.” Davos corrected. 

“He is to me and my family.” Said Sansa “I don’t think I should allow her to stay here.” 

“Well maybe give it some time. Once Jon has recovered some more ask his advice on the issue. If he decides she should no longer stay in Winterfell then she should leave.” 

 “Does he really care about her?” asked Sansa as she reached her chamber door. 

“Aye, I do believe he does.” 

Sitting inside the young ladies chambers Daenerys found Winterfell to be just as dark and dreary as Dragonstone. She assumed that while her family was southern born they must have had some northern taste. Once they had made sure Jon had been safely brought to his chambers Davos had led her here, stating that the Lady of Winterfell had requested a private audience. 

“My name is Sansa Stark, the Lady of Winterfell. Jon left the North to me in his absence.” The young wolf said as she entered her chambers. She was almost surprised to see the silver-haired ruler rise to her feet. Motioning for her to sit she made her way to the other side of her desk. "I must say I was surprised to see you travel all the way here.” 

“I have only come here out of concern for your brother Jon.” Said Daenerys. 

“King Jon Snow.” Corrected Sansa, not ready for such informalities from the Dragon Queen. “You may hold Dragonstone, you may also have a claim to the Iron Throne but that means nothing in the North. While in Winterfell you are simply a guest. I shall refer to by your name, not ‘Your Grace’ or ‘Your Majesty’. 

Daenerys while taken aback by the firmness of the young girl nodded. She had meant what she said about only being there for Jon and did not want to risk doing anything that may block her from seeing him. “Lady Sansa, I have no political or allegiance motives for coming to Winterfell. I only wanted to out of concern for the King.” 

“That is good.” Said Sansa “Because if I find out you have come here trying to get some sort of alliance. I will have you thrown out. I will also not hesitate to inform Cersei of where you are.” 

“I understand.” Said Daenerys "Thank you, Lady Sansa.” 

“I am only doing this for Jon, now Ser Davos will escort you to your private quarters.” As Daenerys made her exit Sansa stopped her, remembering something from the first raven they had received from Dragonstone. “Daenerys if I may ask, how did Tyrion Lannister come into your service?"  

“He was brought to me when there was no longer anything left for him in Westeros," Daenerys recalled, remembering how her hand had admitted to his plans to drink himself to death in some of their earliest conversations. “Why do you ask?” 

“Tyrion is a good man.” Said Sansa, smiling as she remembered the many acts of kindness he had shown to her. "When I was a prisoner of his family he took care of me. He isn't like any of the other Lannisters. Keep him around, if you don’t I could find room for him on my council.” 

Daenerys stepped away from the door leaning over the desk. This was an opportunity to convince the Lady of Winterfell why she was truly here. “Lady Sansa now is not the time to worry about politics or alliances. If there is one thing I have learned from the King in the North it is that the idea of power means nothing if we do not defeat the Night King.” 

Sansa was both shocked and amazed to hear this from the Dragon Queen. When Jon had first shared his plans to visit her and seek her help she had been against it. She had almost considered her brother a fool for seeking help from a Targaryen. She had been surprised when she heard that the Queen had allowed Jon to mine Dragonglass. Now seeing the Dragon Queen put aside her claim to the throne made her realize she truly had underestimated her brother.

Outside in the training area, Brienne sat on a bench inspecting a new blade. It had been one of the first made from the dragonglass Jon had mined in Dragonstone. It was a long sword, the crest of house Stark carved at its hilt. While it was not as versatile as Oathkeeper she could make use of it. 

“It is a nice blade.” Said the red-headed giant as he sat next to Brienne. She immediately turned away. Tormund, of course, didn't take her ‘no’ for an answer. He instead sat even closer. “I prefer that other sword though.” 

“This will do nothing against the Walkers.” Said Brienne unsheathing Oathkeeper from her hip. "Though it has done wonders for those who still breathe."  

“Is it not Valerian steel?” asked Tormund reaching out to run his hand across the front of the blade “Valerian steel works just as good as any dragonglass when it comes to killing wights.” 

Brienne looked at her blade; if what Tormund had said was true then she really did have no use for the dragonglass weapons. She, of course, would have to speak with Jon about what she had just learned. "Shouldn't you be returning to Eastwatch?” 

“It is too dangerous m’lady.” Said Tormund. “Most of the Free Folk are now helping the crows at Castle Black. I only came here for Jon.” 

“How is he?” Brienne asked, but before he could answer both of them watched as the silver-haired visitor made her way across the courtyard toward the path leading to the Godswood. The whole courtyard seemed to stop what they were doing, shocked at how freely a Targaryen was permitted to roam the grounds. “What do you think of her?”  

“She saved our lives out there.” Said Tormund. “If it weren’t for her dragons we would be dead. I personally hold no ill will toward her but it seems many here do.” 

"It is because she is the daughter of the Mad King." Said Brienne “I believe her brother also murdered Lyanna Stark, Jon’s aunt.” 

“A child should not be held accountable for the sins of their father. Is that not what Jon said?” 

“Her families sins cut way too deep for the people around here. The anger for what was done will always be here.” 

At the Godswood sitting below Weirwood tree, Sansa and Arya prayed for their brother. Arya had long disconnected from her gods but now was the time she needed to reunite with them. Bran also sat with them deep in thought as he tried to piece together what had happened to Jon. Their meditation was interrupted by footsteps. They turned to find the Dragon Queen approaching the Godswood.

“I am sorry.” Said Daenerys turning to leave. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” 

“You!” said Arya angered by the sight of her she began to storm across the path.  “Why are you still here?” 

“Arya please!” said Sansa. 

“Did you let her stay?” asked Arya turning back to her sister. “You did, didn’t you? Why?” 

“Please understand Lady Arya I don’t mean any ill-will toward your family.” Said Daenerys “I am simply here out of concern for Jon.” 

“Don’t even speak his name!” said Arya pushing past the two women.  “Stay away from us or else.” 

“Daenerys I am sorry for my sister’s behavior.” Said Sansa approaching the Dragon Queen. “Have you come to pray with us?” Sansa gestured her hands for Daenerys to come and sit by her on the bench under the Weirwood. 

“I am afraid I don’t know much about the old gods.” Said Daenerys sitting next to the red-headed beauty. “But I felt I should do something to help Jon… I am sorry King Jon Snow.” 

"Jon. That is what you shouted when he fell into the lake. You were so much less formal then." They both heard the young boy in the wheelchair say. "Before you only called him Jon Snow, his full name.” 

“How did you know that?” asked Daenerys shocked by the boy’s words. 

“Bran has visions of the past." Said, Sansa. “I don’t much understand it myself.” 

Ignoring both of the women Bran continued, finally able to make more sense of what happened beyond the wall. “He asked for your help and instead of sending your army you went on your own. You brought your dragons but you lost one of them.” 

“That is correct.” Said Daenerys once again feeling the weight of the loss of her child. “Its name was Viserion, after my brother.” 

“You used the other one to help get everyone back to Eastwatch.” Said Bran “Jon though was pulled off and fell into the lake, breaking through the ice. You wanted to go and save him but you couldn’t. You were crying on the way back to Eastwatch. Not just for your lost Dragon but for Jon as well.” 

Both of the women were left stunned by Bran’s words. If what he was saying was true then Sansa had no reason to be cold toward Daenerys. She really did seem to be nothing like her Father. “Daenerys what do you want from my brother?” 

“I…” it was a loaded question for Daenerys. Right now she wasn’t sure of exactly what she wanted. She only knew that she wanted to be near him. Other than that she was not sure. “I will be honest and say when I first met him I wanted him to bend the knee. I had planned to rule the seven kingdoms and that included the North. Now I am not sure, I just have grown to care for and respect your brother as an ally.” 

“Why would you give up your claim to the throne so easily?” 

“I am not giving up my claim to the throne.” Said Daenerys, this was of course true. She was born to rule and when all this was over she would. “But what I saw out there made me realize by fighting in Kings Landing we are just wasting time and giving the real enemy more opportunity. I don’t want to see the North destroyed. ” 

Inside the Lord’s Chamber Arya sat in the chair next to Jon’s bed. While keeping vigil over her brother she began to examine and sharpen her sword ‘Needle’. She was still fuming over her interaction with the Dragon Queen. She wanted her gone and if she needed to, she would make sure Daenerys left Winterfell on her own. She was about to put it away and got to work on her dagger when she felt a gentle tug on her shoulder.

“Arya?” she heard a voice ask. It was weak but was one she had been longing to hear. It’s warmth and kindness always soothed her, even when she was at her worst. She turned to find Jon staring up at her, his eyes containing the same warmth of his voice.

“Jon!” she said turning to lean over her brother. “You’re awake!” 

“Arya…” Jon said shocked to see his little sister again. She seemed different; her once soft features sharpened with time. He wasn’t sure if it was really his sister or just another dream brought on by the pain. “Are you really here?” Reaching his hand up he gently cupped the side of her cheek and watched as she relaxed into his touch. He used his thumb to dry away her tears. 

“Jon I was so afraid.” Said Arya placing her hand on his. “I have missed you so much and when I heard you had been hurt I…”

“Shh little sister, shh," he said soothing her. He nudged her head to lay it on his chest and she crawled next to him, careful not to further injure him. As she began to shake, letting out the fear that had been building over the last few days he did his best to comfort her, rubbing small circles on her back. "Actually I guess you aren't so little anymore." 

"No, I am not." She laughed. 

Jon turned to examine what she had left on the table. “You kept it, all of this time.” He said joyed to see she still had the sword he had given her before they parted ways. 

"Of course I did!" she said proudly. "It is my sword, and I am quite good with it."

“So I have heard.” Said Jon. 

“Really?” asked Arya. “Who told you?” 

“A friend of yours.” Said Jon “Gendry I believe is his name.” 

“Gendry!” she asked sitting up. It was a name she had not heard in ages. She didn’t even believe him to still be alive. “How do you know Gendry?”

“He paid me a visit in Dragonstone and then helped me beyond the wall. I believe he is here in Winterfell. Have you not said hello to him yet?”

She hadn’t even noticed when he arrived with the rest of the group. Her focus had been on Jon. She had to admit though the thought of seeing Gendry did excite her. He was always so kind to her; even keeping her secret when he figured out her true identity. “No, maybe I will later.” Arya yawned lying down next to Jon. She heard him laugh as he pulled the extra furs over her. As he gently mussed her hair she found herself being lulled to sleep by the comfort only Jon could provide her.  

An hour or so later Jon was still awake in bed, Arya fast asleep by his side, when the door opened. Daenerys came in, gasping at the sight of Jon so conscious. “They didn’t tell me you were awake!” she said as she made her way over to his side. 

“Your grace.” Said Jon smiling up at her. “We need to talk about something.” 

“It can wait.” And with those words she leaned down to cover his lips with hers, placing each of her hands against his cheeks. To her surprised her reciprocated the kiss, places his hands upon her cheeks as well. “Did you mean what you said on the ship?” he asked when they broke apart.  

“Yes, I meant every word of it.” She said, sitting back in the chair, taking his hands in hers. 

“Good.” He said with a smile before wearing a more serious demeanor. “Because when I am recovered, I will bend the knee.” 

Next Chapter--->

#jonerys #jonerys fanfic #jonerys fanfiction #game of thrones #game of thrones fanfiction #game of thrones fanfic #jon snow #daenerys targaryen

[thelegendofclarke]

I'm sick of people saying Sansa isn't "Stark enough" Also tired of seeing how headcanoning Sansa (just in my mind/art) as Queen is criminal. My intention isnt to erase other characters. I personally don't care if she is QitN in canon. I'll just be glad if GRRM gives her a decent ending. But only imagining Sansa as Queen surely cant be a crime. Sansa has given me a lot of hope irl; helped me deal w/ depression so wanting her success,happiness rulership even it's cathartic

Hi! QitN Sansa anon here. I just wanted to rectify that the word I wanted to use instead of cathartic was therapeutic. I think they both mean same but I’m not sure. Sorry. English is not my native language and I struggle w/ it. Thanks for understanding.

Hello Anonny!

First of all, please don’t apologize for your English, it is seriously EXCELLENT! It’s probably better than mine tbqh. Secondly, I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK ME SO LONG TO ANSWER! I have no excuse, I am The Worst. 

Getting to the down and dirty of your ask… My dear Anonny, I totally hear you; and if it makes you feel any better, you definitely aren’t alone! Your frustration is honestly one of my main ~grievances~ with fandom and why I honestly having a really hard time engaging with like 85% of the ~meta side~ of fandom. I am in some fandoms, GoT/ASoIaF included, that have some incredibly smart and talented meta writers who are so passionate and hardworking and insightful. The things that they come up with sometimes completely blow me away! It can be easy to fall down the meta rabbit hole and get caught up, especially when people are seeing all these interesting things and coming up with all these amazing and intriguing theories that you NEVER would have thought of. But on the flip side, it can be really frustrating when the meta you are reading just doesn’t resonate with you at all. I mean don’t get me wrong, I am Here for meta as a concept and I usually really love seeing what people come up with. My issue is often in the execution. Sometimes it feels like meta crosses that ~fine line~ between showing you one way to think vs. telling you how to think. 

I definitely see the value in discussing different interpretations of stories and characters, and I even enjoy reading most of them. But too often I feel like people forget that meta is still just an interpretation, it’s as though there has become this ~thing~ where calling something meta automatically makes it infallible. But it’s really important to remember that with meta in regards to literature, while it’s generally meant to be an academic and unbiased approach generally, is still just one person’s interpretation of the facts as they see them. Meta has somehow become this competition about Who Is Right and Being the Rightest, and it just completely disregards how inherently subjective and personal fandom is. I will always and forever maintain that is absolutely impossible to be completely objective in fandom; your opinions, your biases, your Faves, are always going to affect your interpretations and and resulting opinions, that’s just human nature. I don’t get this whole demand for objectivity thing; if people were truly objective about fandom, I don’t think we would even be having this discussion, because no one would be discussing much of anything. Yeah, its important to maintain some level of objectivity, especially when you are having discussions with other people about fandom, but tbh being ~completely objective~ all the time sounds pretty boring. Honestly, I feel like most of the time people who claim they are being “totally objective” when they talk about things like character arcs, possible end games, ect. are even less trust worthy than those people who are up front about their favoritism; imo it usually means they are either totally unaware of their own biases, or that they refuse to acknowledge them.  

I also feel you on the whole thing of “headcanoning Sansa as QitN is erasing other characters,” it’s frustrating to me as well. Because you’re right, wanting Sansa to be in a leadership role does not automatically mean you are disregarding other characters. Positions like Q/KitN or Lord/Lady of Winterfell are exclusive positions by nature, there are always going to be unequal power dynamics based on that alone. It’s also like you were saying, seeing Sansa in a position of power and leadership role can definitely be cathartic and therapeutic (I think both words work btw!). As a character who has essentially been completely robbed of her agency and self determination and has been at the mercy of others for almost the entire series, it would be extremely satisfying to not only see her regain some of her autonomy, but also be in a position where she could control her own fate. It would also be really satisfying to see a character like Sansa who has had to rely so much on her more feminine, intellectual “soft power” to be in a position where she is clearly powerful in a more traditional, tangible sense. Does she have to be QitN for these things to happen? No, obviously not. But then it also stands to reason that none of the other Stark siblings HAVE to be in that power position to be important either, the same basic logic applies. To say that Sansa fans are “sidelining” or “disregarding” or “erasing” other characters by theorizing or headcanoning that Sansa could be QitN or Lady of Winterfell then means that fans of ANY OTHER CHARACTER who headcanon or theorize about that character holding a position of power in the North are therefore intrinsically sidelining/disregarding/erasing Sansa based on their own argument. Honestly, debating like that sounds tedious and counterproductive and more than a little annoying. Because honestly, it could go on FOREVER, we could be here for the rest of our gd natural born LIVES arguing about this. People are always going to disagree with you, that’s just life. And they are free to do so, just as you are free to disagree with them. But there is a notable difference between disagreement and downright derision; one is totally fine and can be done respectfully, and the other is kind of a dick move. 

And also, like I was talking about earlier, our faves are our faves. In fandom, you are allowed to concentrate on YOUR FAVE and their significance and where you see their story going. That is totally and completely 100% legit! Characters like Sansa are very easy to connect to and care about, especially for people who see themselves and their own struggles in her story. And I think the same goes for Arya… They are these two young characters who experience similar trauma and abuse and honestly just horrendous things that no child should ever have to experience, and they deal with it in such vastly different narrative ways. Arya takes action and lashes out and lets herself be sad and angry. Sansa rationalizes and compartmentalizes lies to herself and everyone around her in order to get through the day. Sansa is pretty much a poster child for traditional femininity, while Arya’s character has so much focus on defying gender roles (or disregarding gender completely in the case of the faceless men). Both have their moments of weakness and strength, both have their aptitudes and their flaws. Relating to and connecting with either on a personal level, as is common with fictional characters, is completely possible and understandable. That’s one of the most beautiful things about the Stark Sisters imo, together and separately they appeal to such a wide array of readers. 

There is no “wrong way” to fandom, there are no “wrong reasons” to love certain characters or story lines, there is NOTHING wrong with Sansa Stark being your favorite character and caring about what happens to her. And also, probably an ~unpopular opinion~ (but idgaf tbh), there is nothing wrong with caring about Sansa (or any of your faves) more than you care about other characters! It’s natural, you are not doing anything wrong, and your interpretations and opinions are no less valid than anyone else’s. That’s the great thing about fiction, it is literally impossible to have a “wrong” interpretation of a fictional work. You don’t even have to agree with the author to be ~right~ about a work of fiction because according to “death of the author” an author’s intentions and biographical facts should hold no weight in regards to an interpretation of their writing; a writer’s interpretation of his own work is no more or less valid than the interpretations of any given reader. Debate is fine, discussion is cool, dialogue about differences of opinions and interpretation can honestly be awesome. What’s not awesome though, is when people think that their interpretation is not only and absolutely correct one, but the sole correct one. That seems, like, wildly narrow minded and more than a little bit cocky tbh. Fandom isn’t a dictatorship; no one’s interpretations are law that can be enforced, no one’s preferences are superior, no one’s faves are automatically more important, and no one is The Great Supreme Rightest (or whatever a fandom dictator’s title would be idek). 

So the point is Anonny, YOU. ARE. VALID. Fandom is all about connecting with a story and it’s characters because they make you feel things. Something or someone in that story made your sweet little anonny (or in my case, cold dead salty) heart fall in love. So just keep fandoming and loving Sansa exactly how you want in a way that makes you happy!

(And on a totally mature, adult end note: fuck people who say Sansa isn’t Stark enough, what ever the hell that even means!? They are just jealous they don’t look that Boss 👏  Ass 👏  Bitch 👏  decked out in furs like a badass Northern Lady Pimp! QUEEN SANSA OF THE HOUSE SNARK, FIRST OF HER NAME!!!)

#I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! #i hope it helps though! #and i hope you are feeling better! #you are welcome in my inbox or PM anytime dear anon #sansa stark #meta #anti meta #(i guess? kind of?) #more like meta wary #or cautiously and selectively pro meta #aly answers #anonymous