The Forest Child {Sandor Clegane Story}

Name

It had been three days since the outlaw attack. Three days since Natari had passed out. Occasionally she would wake up and have something small to eat or drink, but just as quickly she would fall back to sleep.

"It's the milk of the poppy. At least she feels no pain." Lord Stark reassured Jory over drinks one night.

They were still a long way from Kings Landing, but King Robert had commanded everyone to stop until the girl was better. It was not until the fifth day she rose from her deep sleep.

"I want to see my father," she spoke and leant up in bed.

"I will bring him to you," one of the maids smiled.

"No. Help me dress. I need to get out of this blasted room," she grumbled and pulled herself out of bed.

She had no time for fine clothes right now and so made the maids dress her in her most loose-fitting dress. It was a soft slate green colour, with long sleeves down her to feet and ribbons around the edges. It was far too big for her as it slipped off one shoulder.

"Are you sure M'Lady?" the maid gasped.

Natari just shook her head at them in disgust and stormed out of the small room. As she made her way downstairs she could hear the commotion of laughter and drinking. The thought of seeing her smiling Jory filled her with happiness and she practically leapt down the last few stairs and into the bar room. Every single eye was upon her when she entered the bar and the room grew a little quieter. Instantly, she wanted to disappear on the spot and reached out her neck to find her father and Jory.

"Daughter?" Lord Stark called out and walked over to her."You should have stayed in your room and rested. The maid can bring you food." 

"You're awake child? My, I am happy to see you up." King Robert bellowed and then chugged down the rest of his ale.

"Child, come here," the Queen spoke gently.

Natari did as told and walked closer to where she was sat.

"You saved my life. I will be forever grateful," she almost whispered. Natari could tell by her eyes she was being sincere, and that almost put her on more of an edge.

Natari bowed her head and then stepped back.

"Natari," Jory smiled softly as he kissed her cheek and placed his hand on her hips. "I am so happy to see you awake."

"Where are my sisters?" She asked

"There was some trouble last night. It's not clear was happened, but Prince Joffrey ended up with a bite to his arm by one of the direwolfs. Your father had to put Lady down by order of the King and Queen." 

"Seven hells!" Natari whispered as she thought back to the wolf she and Jon shared. They had named him Ghost. He had been Snow White and the runt. As Jon was leaving for the wall, without any friends, Natari had demanded Ghost leave with him, but she missed him dearly.

"Arya's wolf was umm... missing," he smiled cheekily. "So the Queen demanded the other animal to death. The girls were inconsolable, but the Septa managed to calm them and they sleep now." 

"Was anyone else hurt when the outlaws attacked?" She asked again.

"No my love. Everyone is talking about your bravery though," he laughed.

Natari smiled back and lowered her head with grace. Jory was then called back to complete his duties and Natari was left alone. Lord Stark had also left with Jory and King Robert had his face inside one the Inns wenches breast. Natari just shook her head and took a seat.

"The little brave girl wakes," she heard some grumble next to her as she turned to see the Hound stood next to her.

"You saved my life Ser," she smiled and gestured for him to sit.

"I am no knight!" he grunted and slumped down into the chair next to her. "Why would a lady like you want to be seen sitting next to a dog?" he continued to grunt before taking a long gulp from his drink.

"You are no Ser, and I am no lady. I am a Snow. Not a Stark, so I do not care for what people think when I choose to sit and drink." She replied and watched as he wiped the wine from his beard.

"Aye well you sure sing like one. Where is your little guard?"

"Doing his duty," Natari shot back, annoyed at his question.

"Duty," he scoffed before standing back up and staring back down at her. Natari met his stare and showed no sign of weakness.

"I'll escort you back to your room," he grunted and finally looked away.

Natari was going to protest at first, but she did not want to argue or hurt the man's ego, so she nodded and began to walk towards the stairs. As before the Hound stayed three steps behind her as they walked down the creaky corridor, and when they reached her door he gently opened it and grunted.

"What is your name?" She asked and stood in the entrance to her room.

"Dog," he scowled

"Your real name, I assume you have a first name?" she glared back at him.

"Sandor," he grumbled and then quickly walked away before Natari could speak another word.