❅ Seven (Video)

[stonebird]

(It has been some time - see: years - since she celebrated her birthday, but since she has a chance, she wonders if she should take it. She lights a candle beside her, sitting at a simple vanity.)

Are naming days important to you? If so, how do you make them special?

(She picks up a brush and slowly releases her hair from its braids.)

I think I will be nineteen in May. (It had taken some time for her to determine an appropriate month - the days are counted/reckoned differently in Westeros - and May had seemed the most fitting.) I never thought I would reach such an age and remain an independent woman. I would not mind falling in love and I cannot lie that I would cherish children, but I am proud of what I have overcome and accomplished.

(Setting the brush down, she lifts a small bottle of perfume and spritzes her wrists and her neck.)

I am a child of Summer, yet Winter is part of me. I will do what I must to survive and no man will ever use me again.

Comments

[stonebird]

Some of them, yes. But the ships can dock at the Southern ports. It would take longer and require much planning, yet it is an option.

(Winter frightens her - and it's not just because of the harsh weather.)

Yes. Supposedly. I have never visited as it lies across the sea. At least the South can be reached by land.

(Her gaze darts around warily - memories getting the better of her.) My first betrothal was to a king. He was a monster. I did not marry him. He, instead, took another bride - for political advantage and because she is...beautiful.

(More mature than her too.)

He married me to his uncle. He, at least, was kind. I think we became friends of a sort. But I couldn't stay there. When I could escape, I did. My rescuer tricked me, feeding me to another monster. I married him so that I could reclaim my childhood home.

He - (She swallows roughly.) - enjoyed torture. I was glad to see him die.

[middleborn]

[Hvitserk actually wrinkled his nose a little when she mentioned travelling, what he assumed was long distances, by land.

He gave her a soft, crooked smile.] More beautiful than you? It is difficult to believe such a thing is possible. [Yep. He's just going to go ahead and take this opportunity to shamelessly flirt with her.]

So, you were married twice and almost married a third time? [His tone isn't judgemental in the least bit; he simply wanted to make sure he had it straight. His own situation regarding marriage had been very unusual as well and divorce was a common thing in his culture.] But you have no children from either of your marriages?

[stonebird]

(It is a pain, but she has grown accustomed to it. At least she hasn't had to travel around like poor Arya.

Flirting should be an amusing pastime and he doesn't seem like Joffrey or Ramsay. Yet Sansa is cautious, watching him intently before she gives a shy smile in return.)

You should believe me. Lady Margaery is breathtaking and I believe she would have made a wonderful queen.

(The poor woman had to deal with a malicious, murderous brat of a king. Is it any wonder Margaery's grandmother plotted and carried out his death? Sansa is certain her mother would have done the same - if her father hadn't throttled him first.)

Yes. (There is no joy in her voice; no fond remembrance.) Thankfully, I did not. I would have loved the child, of course, but no child deserves a father like either of them.

[middleborn]

[Her shy little smile makes his own widen a little.]

You may be right, but you are also breathtaking.

She... did not become a queen? [His curiosity was getting the better of him, wondering if maybe this terrible man had had two brides give him the slip or if something had happened to this apparently stunning woman.]

Probably for the better. And there is still plenty of time.

[He pauses, a strange thought hitting him.]

We are meant to be taking the place of the people who once lived here, yes? That is what the gods have told us is their reason behind bringing us here? Do they expect us... to have children here? I cannot imagine wanting to do so with the beasts that roam this place and the things that I heard have happened here. [If repopulation was the gods' plan, they were probably going to be pretty disappointed.]

[stonebird]

(As a child, she never doubted her beauty or her charm; she thought she had both in an unlimited supply. How could anything go wrong for such a girl? But she had been terribly naive and all the beauty and charm in Westeros couldn't save her from being alone in the lion's den. The Lannisters and Ramsay have left marks on her, marring her in ways she must see every time she dresses, undresses or bathes.)

...thank you, my lord. (She pales as she thinks of what her friend must have endured after she left.) The King was killed by poison. After that, his family made her life miserable. I think she was taken prisoner and, from what I understand, she was executed.

(Poor Margaery. Sansa knows her friend is talented with politics and she doesn't doubt that she lied to her from to time to time in King's Landing, but, at least, Margaery has a good heart.)

Time is running out in my world. Once Winter comes, having a baby will be treacherous. I wouldn't want a child to suffer.

(She considers Hadriel with all its monstrosities and it seems ridiculous to think about bringing children into the mix. But the gods are not like them. How could they understand mortal problems?)

You are entirely correct in your assessment. If they do want us to have children, it is because they want more people to haunt and terrify.