The Journey We Face (A Sandor Clegane Fanfic)

For what it's worth

Later on that Night...

It had been hours since the arrival back to Winterfell, an Nymaria was on her way to the dining hall for supper. It was a cold night, and the snowflakes fell from the sky past the old stone and onto the floor below.

She wasn't all that hungry, but didn't want to be rude, for there was special news her uncle Ned wished to share with the rest of his family.

She clutched the ends of her gown, closer to her cold hands in the hopes of creating some heat.

she made her way from the halls of the northern castle, down to the hall in which the Stark family regularly dined. Just don't look at him and you'll be fine. she thought, knowing who else would be joining the family for dinner.

Even though Sandor made no big deal of it, Benjen wanted to honor him for his service to the family and his daughter.

And that meant she had to put all the anger and frustration for him aside.

Behind a smile, she would hide. and she wouldn't let her eyes give away any glares towards whichever table he sat.

Nymaira was strong. and even if he did hurt her by the disgusting words he said, what else could she expect? He is a killer who thrives in what he can do to a man. He is harsh, and from the story that was told by him at the inn, how could she ever expect a man with that kind of history to be of kinder attitude.

Did she expect him to be a poet in his words? Soft and gentle?

Even though he was rough, he was pleasant most of the time since he had begun training her. Why did he have to change?

These were the thoughts running through Nymaira's head as she found herself to the entrance of the room.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and soon the sound of voices and the sight of different family members beheld her, along with one sulking figure all alone at the end of the room.

Being none other then Sandor getting drunk while the rest of the Starks ate and drank with joy in each other's company.

Looking over, Robb had beckoned her over with his hand, while laughing along with Sansa, and the younger siblings. So picking up the ends of her earthy brown gown with it's soft blue trim, she began to walk towards the table ignoring the feeling of Sandor's eyes on her.

She sat down smiling at the family next to her. "Glad to have you back again, Nymaria." Robb tipped his cup to her and grabbed the small tin pitcher of ale to pour the liquid into her cup.

"Well, trust me, as much as I like adventure, it's never a substitute to Winterfell and it's residents."

Nymaira smiled, ruffling Arya is brown hair. The young girl grabbed her hand, pushing it away whilst she giggled.

"Interesting, you would say that." Robb smiled, and she looked at him with squinted eyes and a titled head.

"Do you know a joke I don't?" She questioned him. He didn't answer, but instead took another sip of his drink. With that, the sound of clinking began to grow louder and they all turned our direction towards the head table.

Ned had pushed back his seat and stood gaining the attention of his family, along with the lone Clegane.

"First off, I'd like to thank one of our guards here, Sandor Clegane, who has protected us with courage an honor."

Everyone had raised their cups and had a small cheer for the man who didn't bother to look at anyone, but simply raised his cup then presumed his business.

Rolling her eyes, Nymaira took a small glance over to the table, noticing Sandor shift quickly, hoping she didn't notice his stare.

Ned began to speak again. "Also, a raven from Kings Landing has come.. our King, Robert, along with the queen and her family are heading here from the south as we speak. They have been traveling for months and their journey is soon to come to a close."

He sat back down, and with the special news spoken, he resumed his chatter with the rest of the elders of Winterfell. "Wow, why would King Robert ride south?"

Nymaira turned back to Robb. "Apparently, he has two sons and no one to wed them off to."

Robb finished, wiping away the liquid from the corners of his mouth.

"Does that mean we are going to lose poor Sansa and Arya to the Lannisters?"

Nymaria grabbed Sansa by the shoulders, and hugged while she laughed

"I wish to the gods I'd marry prince Joffery, I'd be queen some day." Sansa beamed with pure excitement.

"Yeah, but then your babies would be half Lannister." Nymaira joked, as Sansa rolled her eyes, pushing her cousin off to finish her own meal.

"What if Robert wants you to be married off to prince Tommon?" Robb smirked, causing Nymaira to almost choke on her food. She had to cough and take a sip of water. "Why in sevens hell, would he want me to marry a child?"

She looked at him with wide eyes, and he shrugged his shoulders. "He's not a child anymore. His name day his nearing, he is almost 18." Robb tilted his head.

"Either way, I wouldn't ever marry him, he's not my type." Nymaria didn't seem to notice her eyes pass the rest of the tables, landing on Sandor is figure.

Now that he had more to drink, he seemed more confident in not looking away when their eyes met. His expression was angry? Hurt? She couldn't tell. the way his mouth was frowning, his eyes, dark, but lit with almost tears? She didn't know.

But she excused herself, and walked over to the table that he sat. Not speaking at first, but crossed her arms and looked at him.

Yes she was mad, yes she was hurt by his words. But she wanted to be kind, even if he wasn't going to be. Hate an resentment gets you no where. and she wanted to ironically be the bigger person.

"For what it's worth...I don't regret the other night. however, I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. Please, accept my sincere apologies."

With that she bowed her head, walking back to her table as she resumed her meal and the conversation.

Sandor was left speechless. Unsure of what to do, unsure of what to say. No one ever treated him that way. No one ever apologized to him. For touching him? That had been the best moment of his life, and she was apologizing for it? After everything he said to try and push her away? He was left speechless. the guilt he held soon toppled to more.

Now I know Tommon wasnt even near that age given the time line but hear me out just try to ignore it due to the fact it helps with the storyline. Thank you to everyone who checks out this crap story it honestly means a lot :)