The Journey We Face (A Sandor Clegane Fanfic)

So long, Stark

Nymaria's POV:

It wasn't long before the four of them had arrived at the cold castle and were entering the gates ahead. This was the first time Nymaira had been here. The first time she felt the chill of the Wall and the hungry stares of the men who took the black on her.

Nymaria already didn't like it here. She couldn't truly grasp why Jon would ever willingly agree to join such a society. But she loved her cousin. And was willing to support him in anything he did. As long as he was doing what he thought was best. "Is it the cold, or the frightening stares of Crows making you grip me tighter, Little Bird?" Sandor had questioned turning his head around slightly to look at her.

"Oh, sorry." Nymaira soon realized just how tight she had been gripping the man. "It's everything about this place. I stayed up all night praying to the gods Jon would change his mind. He doesn't belong here."

"You don't know what it feels like being and outsider. if you did, you might be able to understand why he is joining." Nymaira looked at Sandor. his facial expression blank. Yet, His eyes tinted just the slightest of something else.

"Trust me, I know what it's like to be an outsider. Just not in the way you are." Nymaira titled her head. Pressing her chin against his shoulder, looking up at him. "I doubt you do, Little Bird." Sandor didn't bother to return the look of the young girl. Instead he slid off of Stranger and then grabbed the waist of Nymaira, helping her down the dark steed.

With a quick thud, Jon made his way to the ground as well. Taking the first look of his new home. "Everything you thought it to be?" Nymaira questioned, walking over to Jon. "It's smaller then I imagined."

"You haven't taken your vowels yet. you can still make a run for it." She joked. Placing her hand on his shoulder. Jon pulled Nymaira into a hug. His hugs were always embracing and warm. But this one was different. It was tighter, needier. The feel of it alone causing warm tears to prick at her eyes. "Hey now, at least we spent some time before you left. This isn't the last time we will see each other, Jon. I promise."

Nymaira took another tight squeeze as their bodies released. Distance between them once again. "I am terrible at goodbyes. So, be careful, serve well, and don't fall over the Wall." She smiled, unsure of what else to say. Jon nodded his head. "Be safe out there, Nymaira."

"I've got this guy." She reminded, looking back at Sandor who was already back on Stranger. "I'll be just fine." They both smiled before Nymaria pulled Jon into another warm. Nymaira mounted Silvermain and soon her and Clegane were heading off back to Winterfell. The remaining solider who had come, staying behind with Jon to have his wounds attended by Maester Aemon.

"So long, Stark!" Jon yelled, waving to Nymaira. "Farewell, Jon!" She waved back quickly before the gates shut. The boy once in sight now hidden by the barrier. Nymaira turned back, holding in the tears that threaten to spill.

"Ready for the journey, Clegane?" She said turning her head towards him. "As long as no more cunts try to kill us." Nymaira laughed, hoping so. Thinking maybe, this could be fun.