Thor had to admit that while traveling was fun, there was a certain comfort and ease of mind that could only be found at home—or, in his case, a castle—which one could not experience on the road.
Leaving the inn they had stayed at, reaching the ancestral lands of House Tully did not take long; in fact, they made it on foot in just a day.
Convincing the locals of their identities proved harder than he expected, especially with parts of the Riverlands under enemy control. However, with a bit of explanation from the girls and the sigil Thor had received from Ned Stark, the Tullys allowed them entry.
Contrary to what Thor had expected, they still had no audience with Lord Hoster Tully. Apparently, the man was on his deathbed—a fact consistent with what had been shown before.
The one they met was Edmure Tully, Hoster's son and the youngest of his children. Seeing both of his nieces older than he had imagined, he greeted them warmly.
"Uncle," Sansa and Arya called, their voices uncertain but respectful. It was, after all, the first time they were meeting this branch of their mother's family.
"You're welcome," Edmure said to Thor. "My father cannot be here, as you can see, but make no mistake—the hospitality of House Tully is yours."
"As for you two," he added, smiling at the girls, "no need for formalities. After all, we are family."
This meeting was followed by Thor recounting everything that had happened in King's Landing, as well as their journey thus far. He specifically instructed the girls not to mention his true identity or powers to anyone for now—better to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Who knew, he thought, before he realized it, these people might try to drag him into their war. He wished to fight—that primal urge had existed ever since he found himself in this body—but this was not his war, nor was he a common sellsword.
It was hard to believe that a single man had taken on the White Cloaks, rescued two girls from the capital, and outsmarted the Lannister men stationed at Harrenhal. Yet, with the girls present to corroborate his story, Edmure Tully had no choice but to accept the facts.
A raven was sent to Winterfell that very day, bearing news of their safe return. Thor was certain that Robb Stark would wish to meet his sisters in person. Normally, he would not have minded, but if the young wolf traveled now, spies eagerly waiting for an opportunity would surely take notice.
Spying in the North was difficult. Unlike the southern kingdoms, the northern people had distinct appearances and behaviors. Northern lords did not take kindly to southerners; a southern spy would have little chance of infiltrating the core of northern operations.
"What are you thinking?" Arya poked him on the side, looking slightly more like a young lady than the wild child she had become on the road. It was no wonder people had mistaken her for a boy.
"Nothing much. Planning our departure. Get some rest; we leave at daybreak," Thor replied. Though the comfort of home was tempting, he had a duty to fulfill.
Only after delivering the girls safely to Winterfell could he truly feel at ease. Once that was done, he intended to take his leave; he no longer wished to involve himself in this conflict.
"You're going to leave, aren't you?" Arya asked, sensing his thoughts like a she-wolf. Her tone was dejected.
Thor felt an impulse to deny it immediately, but what was the point of lying? He looked at the small girl, her solemn eyes reflecting concern, felt a pang of guilt, and shook his head.
"Aye. I am a traveler until I find a way home. It does not suit a traveler to linger for long."
Arya remained silent for a while. There was no point in speaking her thoughts aloud; she did not want him to go. Childish as it might have been, sometimes a child's desires were simple.
Even so, she knew it was impossible for him to stay. She had left King's Landing only a few moons ago and was already homesick. She longed to be with her family again. She could only imagine that Thor felt the same, though he did not even know where his home was.
So she stayed silent, holding back her thoughts.
"You promise you'll help save Father," she finally said. It was not much, but perhaps it would make him linger a little longer.
"Am I not already helping? Bringing you two home safely is already half the battle won for your family and the North. If you doubt me, ask your mother or brothers—they will say the same," Thor replied with a smile.
"That's not what I mean, you know it," Arya huffed, annoyed.
"Hahaha… I'm going to miss your chattering," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.
Unknown to them, Sansa lingered outside the room, having almost entered but pausing when she heard their conversation. Her chest tightened.
He will leave.
She could not stop repeating those words to herself. She recalled the night back at the inn—his promise to wait, his words about her maidenhood.
Then why was he leaving?
The thought had never crossed her mind before, in all her fantasies and imaginings. But now, it was real.
Arya knew. Why hadn't he told her?
Unspoken thoughts swirled in Sansa's mind, images of leaving with the one man she had grown to care for. Her hands clenched, her lips pressed tight, and her steps faltered. She lingered outside, emotions in turmoil. She did not want to face anyone, let alone Thor.
The feelings of a girl in love, combined with the confusion of puberty, were difficult to control. Her eyes were moist, even knowing that crying would change nothing.
Yet tears came nonetheless. Not willing to be seen, she turned away, slipping into the shadows.
Inside the room, Thor sensed a presence outside. His instincts, sharp as ever, warned him someone was near. When they did not enter, he realized someone was spying.
The guard he had relaxed since arriving at Lord Tully's home went back up.
Even at Winterfell, enemies could infiltrate; here, it is no different. I must leave with the girls first thing tomorrow morning.
He had no idea that the spy he sensed was actually one of the very girls he sought to protect.
…
A/N : What do you think ? A little slow chapter but important to build the character development.
xxx
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