Chapter 91Notes:Its Superbowl Sunday....I'm trapped in a 10 by 16 office with two super fans and like...for those of us who are not football fans extra chapter this week. We can call it an early Valentines post too I guess. Apparently I'm rooting for the Eagles or facing death, so ya know, Go Eagles? (I'm too afraid to ask which uniforms are the Eagles)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter TextDaisy landed in the courtyard of Winterfell as the last light of day disappeared below the horizon. She'd gotten good at flying, or well more jumping with style. But she landed lightly with a faint gust of vibrations barely disturbing the ground. No more imprints from her landing. Looking at the familiar courtyard she felt her muscles relax and something settle inside of her. Like breathing out after holding her breath for too long.
"Holiness!" One of the men at arms came jogging forward.
She raised a hand. "Hey, Liram, yeah?"
"Aye, good to see ya back, Holiness." The bearded man reached her. "Should I send for her Grace?"
Daisy didn't even have to close her eyes, she could already feel the vibrations that she knew were Sansa's without even thinking about it. "No need." She smiled unhooking the leather satchel that had two, very unhappy, swaddled, and hooded birds in it. "If you could take these to Maester Wolkan though?"
"Of course." He accepted the satchel, looking at it curiously.
She grinned as she caught his arm. "Careful, it's Rickon's nameday gift, and it's alive." It was hard not to laugh at the man's expression. "Hawks."
Liram made an 'ah' sound, as he adjusted his hold. "I'll take good care of them, Holiness."
"Thanks, and tell Rosie 'hi' for me." Daisy had no doubt his daughter would be waiting with a snowball and gap-toothed grin in the morning.
He chuckled nodding. "I'll tell her, Holiness."
"Take care." She patted his shoulder and then jogged for the keep.
The servants all perked up at the sight of her, various waves, and dipped heads in greeting. The lack of terror and awe was a warm balm. They weren't terrified of her. She smiled, her muscles untensing as she made her way through the bustling halls. Making it to the Great Hall, merely required following her feet.
As she reached the hall she could hear the sounds of the men spilling out along with the light. It sounded like home. Daisy passed the guards at the entrance, both of whom straightened, dipping their heads in acknowledgment, 'Holiness' on their lips.
She grinned and walked past them. Her feet had barely gone past the entry stones when she heard Rickon's voice sharply cry out, "Daisy!"
He scrambled up from where he'd been and was across the hall as fast as his legs would carry him.
With a laugh, Daisy caught him. Which, damn he was her height and lunged, if she hadn't had serum they'd both have crashed to the floor. Instead, she caught him, hugging him tightly, her eyes closing, his reddish curls tickling her cheek, the smell of wolf, pine, and leather filling her nose as she hugged him back.
He excitedly pulled back, his arms still hanging onto her. "You made it back!"
"I said I would didn't I?" Daisy smiled at the kid, god he was going to be taller than his sister in a few years. Which, she looked up at Sansa who had stood from where she had been sitting. Sansa stood there, her gown was grey with red wolves running across the fabric. Her eyes were blue and bright, her hair cascaded down her back. The black fur of her gown stood out against her pale skin. She was beautiful and Daisy felt warm as it settled into her bones that she was back.
Daisy fluffed Rickon's hair, and barely shifted as Greatjon slapped her back. It was good to be back.
"Daisy! It's good to see ya back!" Greatjon boomed, his hand heavy as it whacked her on the back in greeting a second time. "Not leaving us for the south then?"
Daisy rolled her eyes. "And lose your charming presence? Never."
He gave a great laugh. "Well, come on then. Flying's got to leave ya hungry."
"Not as much as it used to." She raised a brow as she realized Rickon had actually been sitting with Lyarra and Lyanna. That was new, and also he made friends by irritating them into attacking him apparently.
Daisy glanced at the hall. "Fitz in his workshop?"
"Aye, don't worry. He was in earlier, half-covered in ink these days." The man chuckled.
She'd have to check in on Fitz in the morning, but as long as he was coming out of the workshop it could wait. Daisy took the last few steps to Sansa and grinned. "Sup!"
"Welcome back to Winterfell." Sansa's voice was formal as always, but that warmth to it that it still could contain was there. Her eyes smiling.
And…well, when in Rome and all that. Daisy reached out, catching Sansa's hand, raised it and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. She felt her grin grow at the faint increase in Sansa's heartbeat. "Good to be back, your Grace." Her tone was teasing faintly as she straightened.
"Good gods you two are ridiculous." Arya Stark groaned from where she was seated.
Daisy laughed. "And here I brought you a letter from Jon."
"He's safe?" Arya straightened in her seat.
Daisy nodded. "He's fine, not doing too badly with the Dragon Queen either. Two whole dances and didn't step on her feet once."
Arya's eyes lit up with the glee of a sibling learning something to hold over another's head. "Jon danced?"
"Yup, and he didn't look like he was in pain for most of it." Daisy glanced back at Sansa, whose hand she still hadn't released. "He's doing good."
Sansa clearly understood that she didn't just mean physically. She squeezed her hand. "Please, you should eat."
And…it was just hot stew and bread, but nothing had sounded better. "Sounds good."
Daisy realized she had a chair at the table that was her seat. It was…no one else had used it while she was gone. It was…it was good.
Daisy watched Sansa curiously, she was acting more withdrawn than she'd seen her act in ages as the door shut, leaving them in private. "Hey, are you ok?"
"Of course, I'm sorry." Sansa's face was perfectly convincing if you'd never seen her actually relaxed and at ease.
She slowly stepped into Sansa's space, carefully noting Sansa wasn't pulling back. Her voice was quiet. "Of course?" She was close enough to feel Sansa's breath, could see how Sansa's eyes had flicked to her lips.
The faint wariness faded. Wasn't her that was the issue then. Daisy didn't really notice until they were standing together like this that Sansa had about three inches on her. She could feel the warmth radiating from Sansa as she tipped her head slightly up. Her eyes fluttered closed. The way Sansa mirrored her was delightful. Daisy's mouth was partially open as she pressed a hint of a kiss to her, before pulling a few precious fractions of an inch away.
Sansa followed, her lips soft as they pressed against her. It was slow and unhurried as Sansa fell into it.
Daisy gently parted their lips and nosed against Sansa. She reached a hand up, threading her fingers through Sansa's hair, her thumb brushing against her ear, and kissed her again. She hummed as she folded into her, her free hand moving to the other side of Sansa's face.
"Wait." Sansa pulled back, a hand pressed against Daisy's chest. Her eyes were dilated and breathing heavily.
She panted, rocking back. Daisy felt the fog of it vanish as she realized Sansa was actually worried. "What's wrong?" She caught Sansa's hand. "Hey, it's just me. Whatever it is, it's fine."
"It's not that I don't want to but…we can't." Sansa's cheeks flamed as she looked away.
Daisy paused. That was…Sansa was embarrassed, not upset. She squeezed the hand she was holding. "Ok…that's fine? But can I ask why?"
"My monthly courses. You've been gone when it's been…that time before and…it's nearly finished but for another day or two…" Sansa's cheeks flushed. "I know you were likely expecting more and...I'm sorry."
Daisy blinked, that…right that made sense, and also wow was that not a thing to be freaked out about. She stepped into Sansa, quickly catching her face between her hands. "Hey, you're fine. It happens." She smiled. "I don't know if you've noticed or not but I'm kind of a girl too. I get it."
Sansa breathed out, leaning into her. "I'm being silly aren't I?"
"A bit." Daisy pressed their foreheads together. "You're good. And you're not disappointing me or any crap like that you're thinking." She pulled back. "You're being stiff cause you're cramping then?"
And Sansa was actually real and there. "Not badly."
"Come on, I can help a bit with that. And I will say that is a good thing about being a SHIELD operative, IUDs." Daisy gently pulled Sansa to the bed.
Sansa let herself be pulled. "IUD?"
"It's an implant that prevents pregnancy and stops periods…uh monthly whatever you want to call it." Daisy pressed a quick kiss to Sansa's lips before unhooking her outer leather girdle. Which really seemed to be a mostly Sansa thing. Though turning feminine clothing into armor fit the redhead. "Mandatory for long-term ops, optional the rest of the time. I got one put in and haven't looked back. I mean the ones available for civilians are less cool, but still pretty effective."
That seemed to take a second for Sansa to process. "You can control when you're able to be with child?"
"You have moon tea, it's not that different." Daisy laughed and opened up the chest and pulled out one of Sansa's sleep shifts. "Come on, I can heat up something for you to keep on your stomach, it'll help."
Sansa smiled then, shaking her head. "You don't have to. I will be poor company tonight."
"A. I've missed you." Daisy grinned, enjoying the pleased expression on her girlfriend's face. "B. Who else is going to care about your brother's bumbling attempts at a courtship where he won't stop talking about the Dead?"
She laughed but began to pull off her dress. "The entire North would enjoy hearing that."
"Yes, but then I'd feel bad for laughing at him. He's actually doing surprisingly well." Daisy basked in the smile and laugh she'd brought out. "So, any convenient rocks or something I can heat without damaging anything?"
Sansa just looked so fond. "By the fire, I had Sera put them there before dinner."
"Huh, I am totally pointless then." Daisy shrugged. She stepped to Sansa. "If you want to be alone that's fine. I know some people don't like being around anyone when they feel crappy. But I'd be happy to just be here if you want me."
Sansa sighed, looking at her with weight. "I think that might be the problem, I'll always want you here."
She couldn't help the way she smiled, kicking off her boots, and pulling off her thick outer layers. Using the sheet that was clearly laid aside for just this purpose, she scooped up the heated rocks and wrapped them while walking to the bed. "What an interesting coincidence, I kinda always want to be here." She lightly climbed onto the bed, offering out the wrapped rocks.
Sansa settled beside her, taking the rocks. "So my brother is actually managing an alliance you think?"
"He's doing good. The Tyrells are swinging around to support him." Daisy agreed while inwardly preening slightly at the way Sansa slumped slightly at the welcome heat. She reached down pulling the blankets and furs up and over them. "Daenerys is charismatic, but she's as clueless about Westerosi politics as Jon. It's kinda relieving to know Willas will be nudging them in the right direction while I'm here." She reached out brushing some of Sansa's locks behind her ear.
Sansa looked at her. "How long will you be here this time?"
"A week, and since it's negotiations over an alliance I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of back and forth while terms are agreed on." Daisy was already planning on hinting that an every other day schedule for her during negotiations would be preferable. Cause who cared if she could do the flight in a couple hours each way now, it was an easy excuse to spend more time here.
Sansa's fingers found the blue streak in her hair, playing with it idly. "You don't have to fly correspondence back and forth like that. You're not a rider in the night. Even if I am very grateful you have done so."
"It makes a really good excuse to see you." Daisy settled close to her, wrapping her arms around Sansa. Contentment settled in her chest.
And Sansa went warm and pliant, shifting into her, though her arms remained holding the heated rocks to her stomach. A smile on her lips. "Well, if that's why you want to be a glorified raven."
"I'm an eagle thank you very much." Daisy grinned. "Actually, Willas has a golden eagle, she's beautiful. I'd never actually seen one in person before."
Sansa looked wistful. "I remember when I first saw Lady, my direwolf. She was just a pup but I knew she was mine as soon as I laid eyes on her. It was like that for all of us."
"I'm guessing she didn't stalk your poor guards for fun like Shaggydog does?" Daisy asked
Shaking her head, Sansa smiled fondly. "No, she was a perfect lady. I used to tie ribbons in her fur and she had the most lovely collar."
"I never had a pet." Daisy gently moved the conversation, she knew Sansa didn't have a wolf now, and she knew she'd lost a wolf. It wasn't hard to connect the two. "Never lived in the same place long enough. Not sure what I'd do with one if I had one either. I always wanted a dog when I was a kid though."
Sansa's blue eyes were full of compassion as she looked at her face. "You sacrifice a great deal for your chosen path."
"So do you." She replied because it was true. Instead of letting them turn to completely morbid topics, she reached her hand, till her palm was laying flat against the small of Sansa's back.
Sansa raised a brow. "Daisy?"
"It could help?" Daisy offered, she wished she could make it better. But Midol was a bit beyond her.
Sansa gave her a nod.
It was easy how she gently used her vibrations to ease the tensed muscles in Sansa's back. The low sound that Sansa let out sent a shiver down Daisy's spine. Yup, that had helped. She nuzzled against the top of Sansa's head. "So, want to hear about Jon attempting to dance?"
"Arya will want the whole story from you in the morning." Sansa cautioned, but the exhaustion was beginning to pull at her voice.
Daisy smiled. "Then I can tell it again. So-" She gently droned on about the Tyrell ball, neatly leaving out Olenna's thoughts on Sansa. Her voice stayed soft as she felt Sansa drifting off to sleep against her. Finally trailing off, Daisy wondered when she'd last smiled so much? She shifted slightly and closed her own eyes. This contentment was precious and she…wasn't sure what to do with it. But it felt safe.
////
Sansa stirred at the sound of the now familiar howls of the wolf pack that had taken residence in the area around Winterfell. She felt loose, warm, and secure. The contentment was like a blanket over her. She didn't need to question why any of that was, and even if she had, the scent of wind and flowers as well as the feel of a warm body purring against her would have told her. Her eyes opened slowly, finding Daisy's sleeping face beside her.
It was…she'd known Daisy saw her as more than a warm bed. Had always known that. But somehow it felt more real every time she didn't press. A part of her that was irrational felt ever soothed. Her fingers itched to trail across the soft and so very real face of her lover. But it'd surely wake her and Sansa didn't wish to disturb her rest more than necessary. It was early yet.
With care she extracted herself from Daisy's arm, pressing a gentle kiss to Daisy's knuckles as she lifted the arm up that had been across her. She smiled fondly as Daisy shifted, reaching half asleep for her. Sansa folded the blankets over her, her voice soft. "It's early, just sleep." She pressed a light kiss to Daisy's temple, Daisy's face smoothing out as she settled back into sleep. Though the low rumbling purring sound she made on occasion faded to nothing.
Sansa's eyes lingered on Daisy for a long moment, and then she slipped to her chest and pulled out fresh fabric, and went to the table, Sera had left things prepared for her the night before. It was short work to clean herself and pull on a fresh shift and under skirts. Opening her chest of dresses she pulled out her green velvet. It was perhaps not her most royal gown, but she missed her brother and it reminded her of him. But not a gown for her leather girdle. Instead, she pulled out one of her sets of stays.
She didn't startle at the feel of hands at her hips, and warm lips at the back of her neck. "You could have stayed asleep."
"And miss this? Never." Daisy hummed against the nape of her neck before gently beginning to lace up her stays with careful movements. "You're up early, Sera hasn't even been in yet?"
Sansa let her eyes close, leaning ever so slightly into her lover's touch. "I was awake, and I wished for the time to clean myself."
"Ah, yeah it can be a bit of a mess." Daisy's lips touched her ear as she tied off the back lacing, her voice lowering. "And it's fine if you want to just be as we were last night." She lightly nipped at her earlobe, her hands settling on her hips, those stupidly lovely vibrations easing the ache in her back. "But I could care less about a mess." She pressed a kiss to the side of her neck and then withdrew.
Sansa sucked in a breath, spinning around, mouth open to ask for her to explain but…no the meaning had been quite clear. "You can't be serious, that would be-" She wasn't even sure what.
"An option, if you want." Daisy was there and kissing her then.
And well, Sansa's protests faded from her thoughts as she sunk into the warmth of it. She couldn't help how she whimpered at Daisy sucking at her lower lip. And it was clear that for all its deepness, it was not meant to lead to anything else. Daisy's hands stayed on her hips, simply rubbing a firm circle with her thumb on one hip.
She wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, far longer than was proper, but then fuck proper, they'd passed that months ago. Finally, Daisy pulled back. "Come on, let's get you into this dress, I actually know how to work this one."
Sansa didn't release Daisy, just pulling her in and hugging her. "Thank you." She waited till she felt Daisy's faint assent to her gratitude. It would be so easy to accidentally close Daisy off by explaining what exactly she was grateful for. It was sad in its own way, how confused and uncomfortable Daisy was with gratitude. So at the lack of protest at it, and the quiet return of the affection, Sansa pulled back.
Daisy stepped back and lifted the green velvet gown. Her face soft, a half-smile on her face, eyes fond. "So, going over Jon's letters with your small council then?"
"Unfortunately." Sansa raised her hands, allowing Daisy to help her into her gown. "I assume you will be spending time with your Order?"
She nodded. "Yeah, run some drills with them, see how they're doing. Might teach them some new throws. Check on Fitz too, make sure he hasn't invented anything too terrible." But she was amused as she said it.
Which, Sansa had long since accepted she didn't understand how their friendship functioned. She had a feeling a great deal of it was loyalty and Daisy overlooking insult. "Then I will likely not see you till the feast tonight."
"You managed an actual feast?" Daisy asked in genuine surprise.
Sansa nodded as she moved to her vanity. She'd rather brush her own hair this morning than wait for a servant to arrive and do so for her. "It will be simple, but the men could use the celebration as much as he deserves to be happy."
"You're a good sister." Daisy's eyes smiled as she scooped up her clothing from the chair she'd thrown the outer layers on the night before. "But with that in mind, I should go back to the tower and find something clean."
Sansa felt a thrill of nerves, of daring. She kept her voice even, but she could tell Daisy had clocked the change in her heart rate instantly. "Actually, that will not be necessary."
"Why?" Daisy was looking at her, a curious light in her eye. She knew something was up.
She sat down in her chair in front of her mirror. Sansa gestured to the small chest set against one wall. Words seemed stolen from her. It was…she wished desperately that Daisy did not take it as an insult.
Daisy's motion was smooth, though so smooth that she knew it meant that Daisy was on alert. An expression that Sansa didn't quite understand flicked across Daisy's face as she clearly noted the carving of her own sigil across the wood. Entwined daisies running along the edge. She dropped onto her knee, fingers running along the oiled and polished wood, a soft sound leaving her throat. She opened it finally, her eyes blinked rapidly for a moment as she looked at the carefully folded clothing. "Oh."
"You needed more shirts, and you need not return to your own chambers every morning," Sansa said slowly. She watched as Daisy lifted the vest in Stark colors, her hands touching the delicately embroidered daisies and blue roses across the fabric. "I have yet to finish the outer tunic to match that."
Daisy looked up at her, her voice surprisingly thick. "You made this?"
"I did," Sansa replied she prayed that this was not upset.
And then Daisy moved at a speed that was slightly inhuman. She leaned into her and kissed her fiercely. "You didn't have to do that."
Sansa felt the tension leave her, pride replacing the anxiety. "I wished to."
"Well," Daisy pulled back, and she looked so incredibly affectionate, "I made something for you too. It's probably silly in comparison, but…" Daisy caught her jerkin from the day before, pulling out a flash of silver before returning to her side.
Sansa accepted the cool metal of it and felt sudden understanding as she realized it was a decorative comb. It was all delicate silver metal, with blue glass far finer and more perfect than she'd ever seen before. She hadn't known glass could be so thin. And holding the delicate roses securely was a silver handle in the shape of an eagle. "This is…beautiful, truly."
"It's nothing." Daisy's eyes turned to the chest before clearing her throat. "So, Stark colors?" A faintly playful lilt to her mouth. Though the rest of her said she was moved, and deeply.
She swallowed back the satisfied sensation as she realized Daisy was going to pull it on, her fingers staying on the comb in her hand. "Yes, if that's not too presumptuous?" Though seeing the eagle Daisy was once more gifting to her, well, it didn't feel presumptuous suddenly.
"No, it's not too much." Daisy's voice was soft. "Not at all."
Notes:Also, a couple of you guys on Friday were kinda confused, but Willas Tyrell is stupid powerful. He's Head of the territory with the second largest army, the bread basket of the continent, the wealthiest House, and his Queen is kinda politically going to have to give him or a family member a position on her Small Council, at least temporarily. He's top four most powerful men on the continent. Like him, Jon, Prince of Dorne and Baelish. And Baelish's slot there is temporary until Sweet Robyn comes of age. Like, Willas is proposing a political alliance, and its one that favors Jon and the North heavily. He doesn't need the wealth/materials from trading food to them. He's doing this for the price of essentially getting entangled with them.
But if wanted to prevent a North/Dragon alliance he's perfectly able to force negotiations to drag on for at least a year, if not multiple years. The only thing that would prevent him from being able to tank it completely would be Daisy and the dragons. Willas has been on edge because what should have been a position of strength kinda got tanked by the Lannisters running a Hail Mary on him and a living god getting dropped in his lap. But he's offering things he can deliver. If you wanted Dany's advisors who are advising caution and taking time to get shut up and ignored he'd be able to do that. and he has the resources and manpower to made a trade deal and discuss military options. Also with the Yara's Greyjoy faction mostly crushed he's got the largest navy in Westeros.
Chapter 92Notes:Hey! We're closing in on the end of Part 3! We conclude this section up in chapter 96 and then onwards to part 4.
Also, Saya4haji is doing another raffle for a bound copy of Part 2, which is very cool they've been doing that. If you're interested or want to enter feel free to swing by the discord. https://discord.gg/ZGaqC3Ae
Chapter TextFitz was finishing the diagrams on the last page on the endocrine system. He'd primarily focused on where it was and what it did. He doubted any knowledge on issues with it was particularly useful to the dark ages. It's not like they'd have treatment capabilities for diabetes or Cushings or any thyroid issue really. He set his pen down and lightened. "Daisy! Crann said you were back."
"Couldn't leave you here by yourself forever." Daisy hopped onto the table, looking at what he was writing. "How's the medical text going?"
Fitz leaned back, his hands falling flat on the table on either side of the page he'd been working on. "Slow, what the Doctor…I, know isn't always useful for them. But it's something useful to do."
"That's good." She looked like she meant it.
He grimaced. "I'm getting nowhere on a portal. I could spend my life on it and still not achieve even a partially functioning one."
"We'll figure something out. We always do." Daisy raised a brow, looking at his face. "So, full beard?"
Fitz scoffed, crossing his arms. "It's not that terrible."
"No, looks good on you. I'm sure Jemma will be smitten." Daisy teased gently.
He felt a pang of longing at Jemma's name. "Well, it was getting frustrating having to ask you to shave me."
"Not a big deal." She waived off. "Jemma puked on me while we were looking for you. So like, what's some shaving?"
Fitz was utterly baffled. "What?"
"Alien alcohol," Daisy explained, and yeah that did explain it. She fell quiet, seeming content with the silence.
His brow furrowed as he looked at Daisy. She looked…different. It wasn't the hair, it was just…something was different. "The south ok?"
"Well, the lack of snow is nice." Daisy's legs swung absently under her from where she was sitting on the table. "But if I can keep them from tearing each other apart long enough they'll make peace." She huffed. "I'm turning into Coulson."
"How?" Fitz realized her posture was more similar to how she'd sat when she was Skye.
Daisy was fond. "I'm acting like a real spy, greasing the wheel for politics. It's weird. Ya know, for spies we did a whole lot less spying and more special ops missions than advertised."
"Our first mission was super soldiers." He agreed… he could see that was her point. But shook his head. "Why are you bothering with foreign diplomacy for them?"
She was just disappointed at that. "Because I can't destroy a spread-out zombie army that is probably a million plus by myself. Especially not if I'm one fuck up away from getting turned into one of them. It never mattered if I died on a mission, Fitz. But if I fuck up on this one, what happens if I end up a zombie?" And there was a real terror at that possibility. She shook it off as quickly as it'd shown. "And we're not helping them just to leave them to die in a civil war against dragons."
"I get it, you're right." Fitz waved at his shop. "I have Crann working on more alcohol distilling. It'll be flammable as hell."
Daisy's lips twitched. "Do they know that's what it's for?"
"It's an easier disinfectant than iodine, well it and vinegar." He grimaced at the reminder of the terrible amount of work for negligible amounts of iodine. For a high school science lab's chemicals, he'd do terrible, terrible things.
She hopped off the table. "You're doing good. But I need to check on my cult. Please say you remembered to do something for Rickon's nameday tonight?"
"I'm not that bad." Fitz winced at the raised eyebrows he got to that. "Fine, Crann reminded me two weeks ago." He got up and made his way to the shelves and pulled one of the boxes down. It had some heft to it. With a grunt, he set it on the table.
Daisy frowned as she looked in the box. "Uh…what is it?"
"Horse armor I rebuilt for Shaggydog. Padded quilt bit for the chest, neck, and upper torso. Added hardened leather, and thin plate over the vital bits." Fitz gave a pleased nod as he pointed to the relevant bits. He pulled up the hardened leather pieces that worked like scales. "It'll keep the movement from being impaired, and this bit will protect his back."
"You made the murder wolf even scarier?" She nudged him. "Nice."
////
Duncan used his arm crutches, Fitz had made them while grumbling a lot, and stood as straight as possible while his god looked through his accounts of the Order while she'd been away. He was proud of what they'd done, and it hadn't been too terribly long since last she'd been here. But he always felt an anxious tremble lest he had disappointed her.
"Interesting choice on the filing system. I'd realized what you guys were doing, but it's really turning out functional." She looked up at him with approval. "And you've cut down on the recording of everyone's workouts, good. You were getting a bit crazy with that."
Duncan felt his cheeks heat. "You were right, the daily variance wasn't useful." He couldn't help how his eyes kept tracking to the delicate embroidery on her Holiness's new vest. It was staggering she would wear Stark colors.
"Don't be sorry for being dedicated to your job." Daisy lifted the latest roll of accounting of membership. "Eight newbies while I was gone?"
"Aye, one wash out though." Duncan pointed to the notated entry while pushing down his befuddlement that she would consent to be claimed by a mortal because it was important Daisy knew the happenings of the Order. "He went over to the Stark men at arms. Couldn't keep up."
She hummed. "And I can see you're easing them in without pushing too hard." Her fingers flipped the pages as she skimmed it. "You guys hardly need me."
"Holiness, we're nothing without you!" His gaze snapped to her face in alarm, and away from the green and grey of her shoulder.
She laid her hand on his shoulder. "Duncan, it's a good thing. I'm not always here."
His jaw tightened, but his eyes lowered and he gave a nod of assent. "Your right, of course, Holiness."
"And here I had you calling me Daisy." She smiled and lifted up one of his personal projects. "Moat Calin?"
Duncan felt his face flush. "Er, that's um.." He let out a long breath as he saw the expression on his god's face. "A proposal Hogg and I were working on for Her Grace."
Daisy's eyes flicked away from him and to their plans. She hummed. "You want to expand the Order?"
"The burden of our whole number here in Winterfell will be too much if we keep growin'." He moved forward so he could lean against the table and use his hand. "See if we have the Order members who've been sworn the longest spread out to other regions they can gather better intelligence, and see here? We keep the newest here for the first six months. Then rotate who is where every six months."
She nodded. "You'll need longer training later on when there's time to do so. Learning to read in just six months as well as numbers, physical training and everything else is too much."
"But we're at war now." Duncan agreed. "We think we could have a group of twenty at Moat Cailin and fifty at the Twins soon enough. Once the war's over we can make it better. But we need more intelligence for her Grace now, not later."
Daisy gave a hum. "You're not wrong. Kara's promising, she'd be a good choice in the Riverlands to command."
"I can see it." Duncan would have to put some of the more tough appearing men with her then, make sure no one got the idea one of their Order could be disrespected just for being a girl. And, well Rordan might only have one arm, but he'd make a good bookkeeper for a detachment of the Order in the Riverlands. "I don't know how to keep the men we send trained."
Daisy smiled and held up her fist. "First, fist bump dude, this is really good."
He couldn't help the smile on his face as he obliged, his chest like it could burst from pride.
"Second, you're right, rotations that are tight for now, and have it be the original members for now. In a year or two there'll be better options. But you're not wrong. This could help now." She picked up the quill. "Now, let's see what we can do about a training manual for them, yes?"
////
Sansa knew it wasn't much, the Hall had been scrubbed clean, fresh holly decorating the room, the fire brighter than was custom, the floor cleared, and a handful of musicians invited. For a prince it was a pittance, for winter on the eve of war it was all that could be done. Still, it would be merry enough. The high table would host those near Rickon's age and of noble birth. And while the food might not be grand, it was Rickon's favorites that could be procured without violating her own laws to conserve food.
"His Highness will be most pleased, your Grace," Brienne said from behind her shoulder.
She looked at her loyal sworn sword, and captain of her guard. "Let us hope that's true."
Mira Lovewell came sweeping in from where she'd been ensuring the servants were preparing the hall properly. She also was proving remarkably good at pretending she wasn't as shocked as everyone else at Daisy wearing that vest. "All is as it should be, your Grace." She had a basket of holly in her arms.
Sansa gave a faint nod. "I have business with Lady Dustin to see to, until supper then."
"Oh, anything to do with her Holiness wearing Stark colors and that lovely new hair ornament of yours?" Mira looked far too amused, even if she was also that little bit wide-eyed, giving away that she hadn't thought Daisy would wear it. But she hadn't walked into a wall in shock at the sight like some and actually said something about it instead of just staring.
Sansa refused to show just how pleased she was by seeing Daisy in her House colors. Or to reach up to touch the very real symbol of Daisy's affections. "Hardly, it's a matter of horses."
"Of course, your Grace." Mira dipped her head, though the amusement and awe didn't fade from her.
Sansa paused as she saw several women of the court in Lady Dustin's solar, it appeared they were working on carding wool that would be used in various projects for the North. She raised a brow at the giggling but didn't comment. "Lady Dustin, I assume now is an appropriate time to speak of House Dustin's and House Ryswell's interest in horseflesh?"
"It is, I assume nothing so sensitive we should abscond somewhere for a dreary conversation on figures and logistics?" Barbrey said dryly as she rose from her curtsy. Utterly ignoring the unusually attentive ladies staring at Sansa, eyes drawn to the hair comb unerringly.
Sansa shook her head. "Hardly, I merely wished for your opinions on members of either of your Houses who would be worth sending as an emissary to the Dothraki about possible trade in horses."
"You have a remarkable talent for forgiving treason, your Grace." Barbrey said as she took her seat once more.
Sansa took an open seat and easily lifted the tools of the task at hand. Not even a Queen could shirk such chores in the winter. Not if she meant for her people to bare her authority. "Do I? I rather think several Houses would disagree if they still existed."
"Alys Karstark as a lady in waiting, myself as Master of Revenue, and now you mean to send Dustin and Ryswell men to entreat for trade on your behalf?" Barbrey replied as she carded easy as can be, utterly ignoring the sudden nerves of the other woman in the room.
Which, honestly. "It's quite simple. Justice was served, to continue to punish a person or House past then is pointless and a waste the North can ill afford." Sansa leveled her advisor a look. "And to surround myself with only those who will sing my praises would be a fool's choice."
"You make mocking you very difficult, your Grace." Barbrey gave an actual tip of her head in true deference. "Rickard Dustin and the Ryswell twins know their horseflesh well enough. Give them an Order member to keep their numbers properly and they'll do at seeing if there is anything to be gained by trading with those savages."
Sansa eyed Barbrey. "A thing I'm sure you'd be happy to arrange?"
"Well played, your Grace." Barbrey had an amused grin. "Though I must say, it will be unfortunate it is unlikely many Dothraki will be part of any force sent here with an alliance. I'm sure they're quite something to look at."
////
Rickon was full of food and warm from laughter as the chairs were moved aside for dancing. There was a warm bubble of happiness in his chest. He stood from his seat and knew he was being watched. It would be expected for him to dance with Lyarra. She was his betrothed. But, well they didn't actually want to get married. So making everyone assume it was all settled would be bad. This is why Lyanna was amazing, she'd had a solution.
He tipped his chin up and walked straight to his sister and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"
And Sansa laid her hand in his, affection practically radiating out from her. "You may."
He did his best not to step on her feet, it was fast and fun! He grinned wildly at his sister, and she smiled right back at him. The lights from the fires and candles, made their hair look like fire as they spun. His heart beat as he realized Sansa was laughing. The dance floor filling with others as the music filled the hall.
As the dance came to an end he bowed like he was supposed to. Looking up he beamed, and let his sister pull him in. A contented sigh as she kissed the crown of his head. "Thank you."
"Happy Nameday little brother." She raised a brow. "Now go dance with your betrothed."
He grinned. "I wanted to dance with you though."
"Of course you did, now go." She laughed, pushing him gently towards Lyarra.
Rickon just shrugged, his smile not fading, and turned and spotted Lyarra, she wasn't that bad. His nose did scrunch slightly at the expression on her face while looking at his sister. Girls were so weird. But not too bad, he was sure Lyarra and Lyanna would both be excited about hunting with the new hawks tomorrow! And Lyarra definitely would help him get Shaggydog into his new armor. So weird or not, she was actually kinda fun.
Panting Rickon collapsed on a bench looking out at the floor. He'd danced twice with Lyarra, once with Lyanna. But also with Arya, Daisy, and Bethany Blackwood. His feet were sore. But it was the best! He grabbed a mug of ale and sipped at it. His eyes found where Daisy and Sansa were dancing. "Do you think they know they look at each other like that?"
"Oh, they have no idea," Arya replied from beside him. "If I ever look that dumb please kill me."
He cocked his head to the side. It was gross, but…it felt right. "Not if whoever you look at like that is pack."
"That is…a shockingly good point." Arya flicked his ear. "Jon's Dragon Queen better be worth all this fuss."
Rickon whacked her hand away from his ear. "She has dragons."
"Point." Arya took a bite of the slice of pie off of a plate. "So, plans to avoid getting swarmed? The girls over there are looking brave." She tipped her head to where the younger women of the court were. Their blasted numbers grew by the day as more and more keeps sent their most vulnerable to Winterfell as they prepared for war. Girls that typically Lyanna and now Lyarra could protect him from.
He looked at his sister. "Dance with me?"
"Already did, and already gave you your present before you try that." She looked stupidly smug.
Rickon sighed, the Bravosi sword and implied lessons with it were really cool. "Please?"
"Nope." Arya's eyes hit on something. "Although, rescue might be coming."
He snapped in the direction she was looking and beamed. Yes! "Sansa!"
"Oh, don't look quite that glad." Sansa patted his cheek. "I came to say good night. I'm heading to my chambers for the evening."
Rickon hopped to his feet and hugged her fiercely. He made sure his eyes were as big as possible as he pulled back. "One last dance?"
Arya giggled from where she was still sitting.
"Not tonight." Sansa straightened his hair. Her eyes were amused though. "If you join the older Lords by the hearth you might be safer."
Rickon nodded. "Brilliant." And Fitz was over there, he freaked everyone out!
Arya rolled her eyes. "I suppose a certain god will be vanishing immediately?"
"You're awful." Sansa didn't look upset in the least. "But most likely."
He hugged his sister again and then darted straight for the growly old men. So much safer than girls. Well, most girls. Some of them weren't bad. Like his sisters, or Lyanna and Lyarra. But he just felt terror when he saw Lady Dustin looking at him, or worse, the ones his own age. Nope, not going there. He slid into a seat by Greatjon. "Hello!"
"Ah! And here he is!" Greatjon whacked him on the back. "Turning into a man soon enough there, your Highness."
He puffed slightly. "Thanks."
"Ale! Can't have our prince without ale!" He waved to a servant.
Fitz groaned, his charcoal lowering from where he'd been making notes. "Some people prefer to be clear-headed."
"Aye, some do." Greatjon snorted. "Not you."
Fitz groaned but nodded.
Rickon just grinned.
Rickon was sipping at his ale. The Hall had settled as the night lengthened. He grinned as he watched Fitz have to deal with Greatjon. It was hilarious. He felt all warm and fuzzy inside, the jovial air was infectious. He perked up as he heard Greatjon asking about the gods. It was always interesting.
"How many gods are there?" Greatjon demanded with a jovial air.
Fitz groaned. "No clue, billions? They have whole empires."
"And Daisy is a sort of…Kree?" The giant of a man continued, his brow furrowing as he tried to understand.
Fitz opened his mouth and then froze. "She's Kree." He sounded awed as he said. "SHE'S KREE!" He leapt to his feet, one hand excitedly running through his hair. "You're a genius!" He grabbed Greatjon's face and kissed him square on the mouth before pulling away and excitedly murmuring to himself.
Lord Glover was stiff as he spoke, clearly ignoring the sound like a dying deer that Greatjon was making. "Surely you knew this before?"
"Obviously, but I didn't put it together!" Fitz looked positively gleeful. "Don't you understand! I've been trying to make an Asgardian portal between worlds! They're one of the most powerful and long-lived of the gods for a reason. I thought it was the only option! But it's not! Daisy's Kree! I don't have to build the door, just the frame so she can open it! Don't you see?!"
Lord Glover shook his head. "No."
Fitz groaned, but it didn't dent his excitement. "Look, Daisy can rip a hole between worlds, that's not a problem. The problem is it'd create a massive world-eating black hole that'd consume not just this planet, but your stars, quite likely galaxies too."
Rickon choked, his eyes widening in horror. Something every man and woman in earshot had just done.
"Daisy's powerful, the problem is controlling that much destruction." He shrugged off the horror he'd just described. "I just have to make a frame to keep that power focused! She's done it before even, it's how Kree portals work. They channel destruction to create rips in time and space. I can do that! It's about the vibrations…" He grabbed his ever-present paper and charcoal and began to feverishly scribble. "The door to Mavath, if I modify the design…it won't even hurt her now she's more powerful!"
Rickon spoke carefully, a new fear replacing the warmth that had been in his chest. "How long will this take you?"
"A few weeks at worst. I can't believe I didn't think of it! Honestly." He shook his head as if he wasn't spelling the end of his and Daisy's presence with them.
Chapter 93Notes:So...remember how Daisy and Sansa left the feast early?
Chapter TextSansa reached out to touch the lace on Daisy's shirt, gently straightening it before leaning in and kissing her softly.
Humming, Daisy leaned into the touch. She ran her thumb over Sansa's knuckles, her voice quiet. "Want to tell me what's been bothering you all evening? Cause it's your brother's nameday but you keep going somewhere else in your head."
"It's nothing of import, a topic came up with the ladies in regard to sex and it has stayed on my mind." She didn't mention the discomfort it had brought her, clearly, Daisy already knew that much.
Daisy pulled back, a hint of what might be humor. "Did your ladies scandalize you?"
She huffed pulling back and sitting down on the edge of her bed. "No, they spoke of how the Dothraki are said to take women."
Daisy paused, her voice was slow. "Sexually?" She waited for Sansa to nod before continuing. "And it bothered you that they generally prefer sex from behind or doggy style or whatever you want to call it?"
Sansa flinched slightly, her chest feeling faintly tight. "It hurts."
"Ah." Daisy dropped down on one knee, her hands falling over Sansa's where they were twisting in her lap, as she looked up at her. "If both partners are aroused it doesn't have to. Some people prefer the angle it allows for penetration. It also tends to be quite common if people want to have anal penetration." Daisy's lips twitched as Sansa couldn't keep her reaction to that off her face. "People like a lot of things in bed. Even things you might personally find kinda gross or whatever."
Sansa opened and then shut her mouth. She hated sometimes how fumbling and unlearned she was on the topic. "Is it…something you want?"
Daisy looked at her thoughtfully. "I suppose it depends on how you mean it. Do I want to take you from behind? No, it can be fun that way, but you would have to want it like that. Do I want you to fuck me from behind? I've enjoyed it like that before, but I don't need it to be happy."
Sansa could feel the heat on her cheeks and in her gut at the sudden image of Daisy bent beneath her. It wasn't a thing she'd thought of. She'd thought she was only asking if Daisy had wished to take her in such a manner. A thing that filled her with disquiet to even ask. She hadn't expected the bolt of heat at the thought of it the other way around.
Daisy's brows rose, amusement painted across her face. "You like that idea don't you?" She rose up kissing her. There was laughter in her voice as she pulled back. "My possessive Wolf, should have expected that."
"That's…I…"
Daisy kissed her again, cutting her off briefly. She smoothly sat beside her on the bed, her hands staying on Sansa's. "Breathe. It's just us, there's nothing to be embarrassed about."
Sansa closed her eyes trying to let her mortification fade. She ruthlessly squashed any thought about her possibly being anything like Ramsey. Just the thought of hurting Daisy in any way made bile rise in the back of her throat. No, they were nothing alike and thoughts of him had no place here. Instead, she opened her eyes and breathed out as she looked at Daisy. Gods, she should have asked this moons ago, but hadn't. "How much have you been holding back your own wants in bed for me?"
"Uh…" Daisy frowned slightly as she clearly thought about it. "I wouldn't put it like that." Her face softened. "No really, it's not.." She blew out a long breath, one hand pushing her hair back. "Look, I'm really bad at this part. Always have been." She shrugged. "I've never been with someone younger or less sexually experienced than me before."
Sansa realized suddenly she was going to have to be careful in what she said. Because Daisy hated asking for things. Her lover took what she was given, like with the clothing. It was surreal sometimes to realize how little Daisy expected for herself. "How does this normally go for you then?"
"It just happens?" Daisy's brow furrowed. "If someone tried to do something I didn't like I just said no. I guess Miles was the only person I was with long enough he brought up the idea of doing something we weren't already doing. And it helped our world was…a lot more…there was information on sex that was far more available to everyone. It was just fun that sometimes was new." She shifted, her focus clear on Sansa. "I like what we do, what we are. I'm not denying myself or bored. There are things I like that if you wanted to we could try. There are more things I'd be down for trying if you were interested."
"Would you have ever said something if I hadn't brought it up?" Sansa said slowly.
Daisy squeezed her hands. "You are new to this, really new." She pressed a quick kiss to her lips before continuing. "You have no idea how beautiful you are in bed, you're just learning what you want. I wing this stuff because I like being surprised." She groaned, leaning back. "Honestly Fitz or Jemma would be better at this, there'd be spreadsheets."
"I doubt that." Sansa didn't bother hiding her distaste at thought of discussing this with fucking Fitz.
Daisy snorted. "Fair, but you're right, we should probably talk about this. You deserve to figure this out the normal way and not because someone tries something without warning you."
"I…where do we start?" Sansa was not saying a word about how she definitely meant to learn every single thing Daisy liked. And if it made her possessive to want to do what clearly her past lovers hadn't, well fuck it. Apparently, Daisy liked her being possessive. A thing she should probably think about at some point.
Daisy shifted, folding her legs underneath her, her body fully facing Sansa. "We're not going to go through the whole breadth of sexual possibilities tonight. And honestly, you kinda have to laugh about some of it. But uh…what do you know outside of what we've done?"
Sansa laughed into her wine goblet, her back pressed against the headboard. "You can't be serious?"
"Very, and no judging, I know you've heard Tormund's breastfeeding from a giant story. Tentacle-shaped dildos can't be that out there to you." Daisy was grinning though. "I actually have met a few gods with tentacles, so some people probably get to fuck the real thing."
Sansa couldn't help the giggles at that. She just…she couldn't stop imagining Theon's face as a boy if someone had told him.
Daisy leaned back. "No, if you want weird though, some guys like these thin pieces of metal slid into the bit they pee out of. If you vibrate the metal to make a sound it feels nice apparently. I mean vibrations in sex are awesome though, so no judgment, but god that one makes me cringe."
"Considering your powers that sounds like something you'd be talented at." Sansa couldn't help pointing out. She felt a warm glow of laughter but also a bright sense of curiosity. It was fascinating to just listen to the things people apparently liked.
Daisy rolled her eyes. "Alright, smarty pants. You have to have heard something interesting from your court ladies or a drunk Tyrion? Or have a question or something."
She bit her lip. "How do two men engage in sex? I have some idea but I just…I've wondered."
"Loras?" Daisy grinned as she nodded. "Fair enough, but…" Her smile grew. "How about you try telling me what you think they do in bed?"
Sansa's face flushed, she lightly toed Daisy where she was sitting. "Fine. I suppose it's not so different than-"
Sansa had probably had too much wine between the feast and now, but she was too amused to care. The embarrassment had faded ages ago. "What is the worst sex you've had?"
"My first time, Tommy Gomez, we were fourteen, had no idea what we were doing. He orgasmed in like two pumps. And then was so humiliated he cried. We were in the back of his dad's minivan. I banged my head on the roof of it really hard and did not orgasm. It didn't start much better than that, very wet kissing. I was actually glad to be back at St.Agnes the next week so I didn't have to talk to him ever again."
Sansa's head fell back, peals of laughter escaping her from both the sheer ridiculousness of it and Daisy's animated face as she told it. She could picture the consternated expression on a smaller version of her lover. And it was so wonderfully mundane and foolish.
Daisy had laughter in her own voice as well. "I was mortified and decided sex was just gross for a whole year after that."
"Oh, what changed your mind?" Sansa wiped at a tear in the corner of her eye, her cheeks aching from smiling.
Daisy's smile turned into more of a smirk. "Svetlana happened. She was two years older than me, had college programming classes after fifth period, a very hot Russian accent, and actually had a clue about what she was doing in bed. Took her exactly ten minutes to get me from her kitchen table to her bed."
"Ten minutes, huh?" Sansa raised a brow, her smile still on her lips.
Daisy rolled her eyes and chucked a pillow at her. "She was hot, shut up."
Sansa batted the pillow easily enough, and then reached out, catching the front lacing of Daisy's vest, and firmly dragged her over and kissed her. It wasn't a brief kiss, she let herself luxuriate in the slide of lips and tongue for a long minute before pulling back with a satisfied hum.
"Manhandling me now are you?" But Daisy's eyes were dark as she hovered half over her on her knees she'd had to rise onto when Sansa had pulled her forward.
Sansa actually felt rather smug, her hand still tangled in the front lacing. "We just covered how you like that."
And, Daisy actually blushed at that. "Did we?"
"Calculated assumption." Sansa pressed a kiss to the tip of Daisy's nose. "You like when I'm possessive."
Daisy's eyes sparked slightly and she swung a leg over Sansa's lap so that she was straddling her. She leaned in, her lips near Sansa's ear. "Hmm…well if we're talking about that, we should be very thankful I heal as fast as I do."
She knew it was a trap, as Daisy's arms looped over her shoulders. If there was one thing predictable about Daisy it was how easy it was to make her competitive, and she hated losing unless she considered the loss its own kind of win. It was why she and Arya could be obnoxious if left alone together. Despite that Sansa couldn't help asking the question, a shiver running down her spine as her hands settled on Daisy's hips. "Why's that?"
"Because if I didn't, every person outside of this room would see how much you like to use your teeth." Daisy teased, before nipping at her earlobe and then soothing it with her tongue.
Sansa let a faint whimper at that, but also, she wasn't losing, and she knew exactly where Daisy was angling. Not that Daisy was being subtle. So she let herself find Daisy's mouth, easily easing into the familiar dance. It was tempting to just go with it, but…well. She ran her finger down Daisy's thigh just right to hit that spot just by her knee exactly right.
Daisy half yelped, rolling off of her and flat onto her back at the ticklish sensation. Giggles burst from her lips as she looked up at her from where she landed on the mattress. Her eyes were crinkled and she looked radiant in her happiness. "No more marking your territory jokes?"
Sansa was laying on her side, facing Daisy, her exhaustion finally getting to her. And probably also the wine. She had one arm under her head, as she traced her eyes over the lines of Daisy's face. "What's a thing you've considered but never actually tried?"
"I don't know…dripping wax always sounded kind of nice?" Daisy said thoughtfully a sort of hesitance that she'd lacked when explaining tying another person up as an art form, or some very concerning things about fists and a truly staggering amount of what she called 'sex toys'. She continued. "And you don't have chocolate, which is a crime. But I can get the appeal of licking it off of you. That could also just be I'm missing chocolate and you're very hot."
Sansa raised a brow. Not that she wasn't absolutely positive that what Daisy was willing to say were things she didn't think would make her uncomfortable. Also, likely things Daisy wasn't particularly invested in wanting. She still made a mental note to remember. But drawing attention to that would just bring them back to the weirdest things Daisy could think of. "No secret desire to tie me up? You spent a lot of time explaining that one."
Daisy's lips twitched. "No, wouldn't mind it if you wanted to tie me up though."
"Really?" She couldn't help how that came out. But seriously…why? That was…yes Daisy was a god, and ropes probably meant nothing to her but…just letting Sansa have that if she wished was…it was incomprehensible.
Daisy tapped the end of her nose. "If it made you happy? Sure."
"That's…" Sansa swallowed as the weight of that settled on her. "I don't think I want that?"
Daisy's face was gentle as she just gave the faintest of nods. "Noted." She looked at her curiously. "What do you want?"
"I'm not sure," Sansa spoke carefully and slowly. "But I do want you."
Daisy kissed her then, it was soft, all tongue and lips.
It was easy to sink into the warmth of it. Sansa could feel the lack of press for more. Her eyes stayed closed, even as Daisy finally pulled back, their foreheads pressed together. She could stay in this bubble forever. It would be easy to drift off to sleep but the contentment was too strong of a draw. The temptation to stay in this moment too strong. "It is…strange to speak of such things."
"Yeah, you guys are actually terrible at discussing it. Or sort of? It's different." Daisy's nose scrunched slightly.
Sansa curled, enjoying the quiet safety of this place between them. "My mother would be horrified of course, but I'd like to think…she would be happy that I had this."
Daisy's eyes were kind, they so rarely weren't, as she looked at her. "Well, my mom wouldn't have approved either if it's any consolation. The whole human thing." She rolled her eyes. "Not like she can judge considering dad." She touched Sansa. "But my dad? He'd have loved you. Might try to kill you initially I guess. He was kinda unstable like that, but he'd have loved you."
"I'm not sure what father would have thought. But he promised me someone gentle and kind, so I'd like to think he'd be satisfied, even if he wouldn't understand exactly." Sansa blew out a long breath. "The world changed, but they never were given the chance to change with it."
Daisy made a soft sound of understanding. "I think that's the strangest part of your world you know, the way time moves here. You talk about things changing so fast, but to me it's…I think this is the slowest time has felt to me…maybe ever."
"Is that a bad thing?" Sansa didn't quite understand what she meant, but she understood enough. Her paramour spoke of so many enemies, so many battles, so many…everything and to know it'd been such a short amount of time for all of it was confounding.
With a thoughtful hum, Daisy seemed to ponder the question. "No, I don't think it's a bad thing. Like at all."
"Good." Sansa reached out, her hand falling to Daisy's waist. She squeezed firmly, she wished…well what she wished could never be and was pointless to think on. Daisy was as bound to her duties and world as Sansa was to her own. "We've ended up rather serious in the end."
Daisy smiled, her eyes seeming to twinkle. "At least we're not sitting on a carpet again."
"There is that." Sansa's thumb rubbed a soft circle on Daisy's hip. "Is it terrible I am content with just this?"
Daisy hummed. "No, it's not bad at all." She leaned in till their foreheads were touching. "You're not the only one doing some of this just…a lot of it for the first time."
"And what of this is new to you?" Sansa couldn't quite help the disbelief in her tone.
Daisy didn't tense, her voice soft. "The rest of it."
////
Arya stared at her sister's face. "What is wrong with you? You look all…happy. It's weird."
"I'm allowed to be happy. Our family is together once more, our baby brother just turned two and ten, Bran actually emoted irritation at Greatjon last week, and Jon has managed peace with the Dragon Queen. We have hope." Sansa replied like that in any way explained it.
Her brow rose as she continued to pick at her nails with a knife. "How much did you two fuck last night?"
"Arya!" Sansa yelped, glaring at her before seeming to remember it was just them in her solar. "None of your business." She paused, clearly seeing her expression. "And we didn't."
She felt her brow rise even further. "That is grosser weirdly." Arya frowned, but oh. "Sansa, you and Daisy both left the feast early last night."
"Yes?" Sansa's gaze was sharp. "What happened?"
Arya set her knife aside. This was, she didn't want to be the one telling her sister this. But it would be worse if it was someone else. "Fitz is attempting to build a different type of 'portal', he believes this one will be achievable. He was…fuck. He thinks he's solved the problem."
There was a ringing silence. Sansa closed her eyes, breathing in and out. A faint tremble to her fingers. And then her eyes were open and she looked as strong as ever. "That's good, they've missed their home. If he requires anything for his portal we will provide it."
"Sansa, you don't have to pretend to be fine." Arya watched her sister's face carefully, a knot of concern forming in her belly. It wasn't right. Sansa's posture had hardly changed. But she could feel the difference.
Sansa looked at her, her eyes sharp. "Yes, I do."