A Need to Suffer

Rumination

Chapter Fifteen

Rumination

Jon had scouted out twelve of what he considered to be his finest men (a few of which were trusted allies over actual ranking soldiers.) When it came out that Jon was looking for recruits to join Sansa on her journey, Lady Brienne had insisted she accompany her along with her squire Podrick. Tormund, the Wildling leader, had also volunteered to join the convoy having a want to scout out the area a little better and growing restless just sitting at the keep. While Ser Davos Seaworth, had already proclaimed Jon to be the true king of the North and had readily stepped forward wishing to aide in keeping the Stark family safe. The rest of the men selected were battle worthy soldiers that Jon had fought with and knew well enough to put his trust in escorting his sister.

The group was ready to depart by the time Sansa had made it to the main hall, and Sansa observed that Jon exuded a somber moodiness as she moved up to his side giving him a small nod of respect.

Jon returned the gesture before splaying his hands out towards the gathered group, “These forces are both quick of mind and sword and will ensure you safe passage sister.”

Sansa knelt in a formal courtesy to the assembled, “I thank you all for attending me on my venture. I know my call for assistance is rather sudden. Your support in this matter is much appreciated. If you’ll give me a moment, I’d like to have a word with my brother before we depart.”

The group gave various motions of acknowledgement and respect before filing out of the main hall to leave Jon and Sansa standing awkwardly beside one another.

Sansa studied Jon looking him up and down a moment before she spoke, “Are you sure you’re going to be all right with this arrangement?”

Jon swiveled to face her fully as he affirmed, “I don’t like the man, but I respect you and your wishes concerning him. I’ll mind him while you are away as I said I would.” He frowned, “I don’t have to like a duty to fulfill it.”

She fixed Jon with a warm expression, “I know; what I’m asking of you, to remain civil with him, is a lot considering all he has done. That, his crimes against so many, is actually something I planned to address upon my return,” as Sansa said this, Jon’s eyes sparked with interest suddenly curious as to what she intended. “I told Ramsay that while I was away, you would bring him parchment and quill to start working out ways that he could make amends to those he’s hurt.”

Jon’s expression shifted into a look of doubtfulness, “Amends? From Ramsay Bolton… Are you serious?”

It was Sansa’s turn to frown, “Well yes; you know that I plan to keep him alive, so I’ve decided he’s going to work to make reparations. It’s not going to absolve Ramsay of all that he’s done, but it’s a start. I don’t want the people thinking he’s gotten away with his crimes and holding resentment towards him or us for sparing his life. This time away from Ramsay is a perfect opportunity to get him to actively participate in his own redemption by having him consider his crimes and work out ways to make recompense.”

Jon had a look of resignation painting his features, “I’ll bring him the paper to write on, and see to it he is diligent for you.”

Sansa smiled; she hadn’t expected Jon to monitor this particular endeavor she’d set out for Ramsay, but the fact that Jon was willing to keep Ramsay on task while she was gone over just avoiding him as much as he possibly could (which was what Sansa had honestly expected,) greatly pleased her, “Thank you Jon; I’ll do my best to be swift on my return.”

She reached out to hug Jon, and he embraced her tightly, “The men that are accompanying you are good men, they will keep you safe, but don’t let your guard down. We have too many enemies out there, Sansa.” He kissed the top of her head tenderly, and Sansa could sense his trepidation and anxiety that she was leaving his sights after everything he knew she’d been through. Now reunited, Jon had grown very protective of Sansa. Their family line was dwindling and with Arya still somewhere unknown, Sansa was the last living family member he had left, and it would kill him to learn of anything happening to her.