[ Petyr plucks up a few of the appetizers himself, picking at it slowly. He's always been one to savor his food. A habit he adopted from childhood when they had little. He would try to make his meager portions last as long as he could. And his slower eating had led to him never being able to finish a full plate of food at the Tully's -- much to Edmure's furthered teasing. But Petyr also takes his time in answering Sansa, shaking his head. ]
It's too dangerous to take the form of a bird to spy. There are predators to account for. But also some have taken to hunting mockingbirds for sport. Lucy and your brother have killed a number of my birds.
[ And Petyr seems to be affronted by it. Men could die, and he wouldn't bat an eye. But to kill his birds was cruel and unnecessary. ]
But truth be told, the easiest means of spying is the very communicator we have been given upon arrival. People do not tend to take the necessary precautions they should when speaking on it.
[ Sansa could understand the wariness to spy as a bird when he mentions predators that would serve as a threat to him and his life but then she frowns. ]
They have done what?
[ She can understand wanting to take steps to protect oneself against being spied on but she wasn't sure she could feel comfortable with the idea of killing a bird like that. Giving an inward sigh, she wonders if she can get answers from Jon later without giving away where she was tonight. ]
I didn't know. I must have missed any mention of it.
[ Reaching for her wine, she hums with a little nod. The tip of her tongue peeks out as she wets her lips before taking a small sip from the glass, her eyes flickering up to him again. ]
I can see that, which is why I avoided using the devices as much as I could at first and why I learned to set it to private when I wish to talk to someone without others listening in. I still have the phone you gave me as well but you're the only one who knows about it.
I can speak to mockingbirds. Lucy knew of this. I gifted her one and told her that were she in trouble, it would find me. It had even helped me to save her when she had been kidnapped. As soon as Jon and Lucy joined forces, not much longer afterward, she shot my gift to her with an arrow as well as killed any others in her sight. One did escape and told me of this. Others have been found dead near your home as well.
[ Petyr cuts into a small piece of stuffed cabbage, chewing slowly with a frown. ]
They are my eyes and ears, of course. But they also serve as a means of protection. Jon cannot protect you and your family from everything, Sansa. The fact that you are here with me now means you know this deep down, and you are building your own safety net.
[ When he looks at Sansa, it's with a sort of pride. A proud father and mentor. Which, at times, he is. Other times, those lines got a bit blurred with desire. But above all, Sansa had been Petyr's protege. She learned and is still learning from him. And the same mistakes of Westeros would not be made here. ]
Which is why I'm glad to hear you've kept our phone a secret. It may someday be vital in you and yours escaping a threat.
[ It surprises Sansa to hear what Lucy had done because she would have never imagined the other woman being capable of such a thing but she reminds herself that she really hadn't known Lucy all that well. That and she knows that people are not always what they appear to be.
Sipping her wine, she tries not to be further troubled by the voice in her head that whispers about Jon being the one to kill the birds. There is a good chance that it had been him if someone was, in fact, responsible for killing the mockingbirds.
Lowering her glass back to the table, she leans forward to move a couple of appetizers to her plate while he points out the fact that she is there because her family can't protect her. But, truth be told, he can't protect her from everything either. She needs to be ready to be on her own but she doesn't see a reason why she can't use all the resources available to her when they are, in fact, available.
Focusing on him again, she can see the pride on his face and smiles a touch in response. Yes, there are times when the lines blur but there is a lot that he can teach her. There is a lot that he already has. ]
That and I'm sure it brings you some relief to know that I haven't revealed it to others. Especially with my parents now being here.
[ Because she knows that he had to have been worried about where they stood with each other now that both Catelyn and Ned Stark were alive in the same world as them again. ]
[ Petyr keeps his expression carefully controlled as Sansa speaks, trying not to betray his own displeasure at the appearance of Ned. Why did the porter keep dragging in these Starks? It could have simply left well enough alone with only Sansa and Catelyn. But Petyr dissects a chicken wing carefully with a knife and fork, bringing a piece into his mouth. ]
I had no doubt that I could trust you in that.
[ He offers her a faint smile, reaching out for his glass of wine. ]
But it's been going well at home? Since you've been reunited with most of your family?
[ Knowing as he does, it is far too easy to figure out that he isn't pleased by the appearance of her father. She knows he is pleased to have her mother in the world with them but she doesn't think too much about why. Perhaps because she doesn't like to think about how he might compare the two of them. ]
Did you? [ She asks plainly, tilting her head. ] You weren't worried even a little bit?
[ She lowers her gaze when he asks about how things are going at home. She could tell him about the joy she feels at having her family back because she does feel that way. There is a warmth and safety that she feels when they are around but the troubling part is that it's a fleeting feeling. That, as soon as she is gone from their company, she is reminded that the time they have here is fleeting and that she is actually alone back home.
She wonders too how to explain that she isn't the same girl that her family knew. That there are so many secrets that she has now, so many things that she is keeping from them, that she doesn't know how to connect with them in the same way she used to before.
Instead, she nods. ]
It's a bit strange having so many people in such a small space. Not that the farm is actually small but it's not made for that many people. But it's nice to have them back.
I know you would rather not answer the questions that may come about the nature of our relationship. I know you would rather not tell your family what happens after they have passed on. And telling them you are in contact with me may very well force you into such a position.
[ Which was to say that no. Petyr was not worried. Not even a little bit that Sansa would talk about the burner phone. There were things that Sansa knew were better not to be told. And Petyr had faith in her wanting to focus on building a new relationship with her family while not dwelling on the past. Dragging Westerosi conflicts to this world does no one any favors. ]
I can imagine it would be quite cramped. You're a woman grown, and you still have to share a room with your sister?
[ Maybe he's guessing. Maybe he has a way of knowing that for certain. Either way, he can imagine that it must drive her the tiniest bit mad to not have a space to herself. ]
It would cause them pain to know, so there is no need for them to ever find out. [ But she did worry they would find out something from Jon or the Lannisters who were around. ] I suspect they will find out that we are in contact with each other but that does bring up a good question. What would you suggest I tell them if they ever ask?
[ There was a part of that was curious about what he wanted her family to know, especially her mother. She knew how he felt about Catelyn Stark, after all. He had told her his feelings before declaring her to be more beautiful than her mother and sealing the declaration with a kiss. Of course, that had all taken place when her mother had been dead and now... ]
No, we each have our own room. We're not children anymore and the nights are not so cold here that we need to share warmth.
[ But, yes, the house could be cramped at times. ]
The truth. A version of it, at least. I got you out of King's Landing and to the safety of the Vale.
[ Petyr frowns briefly. A moment of rare regret -- lamenting his decision to marry her off to Ramsay. The ends justified the means in that Sansa did win back Winterfell. But at what cost? A ruined trust. A sexual experience that would forever haunt all of her future experiences. And the complete destruction of any innocence she had left.
He takes a sip of his drink to wet his pallet before speaking again. ]
There's no reason for them to know more than that. Unless your half brother speaks the words. In which case, there's little we can do.
Mentioning the Vale could be tricky if they ask me about Aunt Lysa.
[ She didn't have to tell anyone about what happened to her Aunt but it would be hard to hide it if she was asked right out. Not that her family would suspect anything having happened to the strange woman but surely her mother would want to know how Sansa had been treated.
Not that she is meaning to question him but she can't help being curious about what he might say when it comes to such things. If he had even really stopped to consider it, which she was sure he had.
Taking another small bite of food, she continues to watch him. ]
I suppose you are right. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them showed up to question you at some point in the future too.
[ Petyr Baelish, bearer of bad news that no one wants to tell one another. But it also did cause them to respect him for being the one to tell the truth. ]
I did not tell her the manner, of course. But she knows that Lysa met an untimely demise. Even so, I'm not so certain even she could fault me for making the choice I had. For protecting you.
[ Still, it's just another one of their little secrets. Like Joffrey. ]
People usually do have questions. But Lysa's stability was one thing your mother cannot question -- having seen her recently, having seen the state she was in. She was no longer the Lysa Tully we both knew growing up.
[ Petyr falls silent as the waiter comes to take their half eaten appetizers from the table and bring over the main course -- two large bowls of exquisite soup full of rich vegetables, meat and flavors. They're also given fresh baked bread and butter to accompany the dish. And only when the server walks away, does Petyr speak again. ]
I didn't get much of a chance to speak to her more. This was at the library's opening, and I had been pulled away.
[ But there is still a bit of guilt lurking beneath the surface. Not as much as she should have since the woman had been her aunt but she pushes the thought from her mind rather quickly when the waiter brings them the soup.
Sitting back, she picks up a piece of bread while nodding. Then she decides to steer the conversation away from her mother and secrets. ]
Within the immediate future? I will be teaching you to fly, my love. Maurtia Falls has never looked quite as beautiful as it does from the sky.
[ He's evasive in answering her question, in bearing it all. Perhaps because he doesn't really have an end goal in mind for this world. There's no Iron Throne to sit upon. But there are political positions and a ladder to climb there. Or perhaps it's because he knows what will happen to their relationship in the future, how she may change if she goes home and returns. ]
But it still pales in comparison to you, sweetling.
[ Whistling for the waiter, the man brings over the final piece of the meal -- a plate of lemon cakes, just for Sansa. ]
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no subject
It's too dangerous to take the form of a bird to spy. There are predators to account for. But also some have taken to hunting mockingbirds for sport. Lucy and your brother have killed a number of my birds.
[ And Petyr seems to be affronted by it. Men could die, and he wouldn't bat an eye. But to kill his birds was cruel and unnecessary. ]
But truth be told, the easiest means of spying is the very communicator we have been given upon arrival. People do not tend to take the necessary precautions they should when speaking on it.
no subject
They have done what?
[ She can understand wanting to take steps to protect oneself against being spied on but she wasn't sure she could feel comfortable with the idea of killing a bird like that. Giving an inward sigh, she wonders if she can get answers from Jon later without giving away where she was tonight. ]
I didn't know. I must have missed any mention of it.
[ Reaching for her wine, she hums with a little nod. The tip of her tongue peeks out as she wets her lips before taking a small sip from the glass, her eyes flickering up to him again. ]
I can see that, which is why I avoided using the devices as much as I could at first and why I learned to set it to private when I wish to talk to someone without others listening in. I still have the phone you gave me as well but you're the only one who knows about it.
no subject
[ Petyr cuts into a small piece of stuffed cabbage, chewing slowly with a frown. ]
They are my eyes and ears, of course. But they also serve as a means of protection. Jon cannot protect you and your family from everything, Sansa. The fact that you are here with me now means you know this deep down, and you are building your own safety net.
[ When he looks at Sansa, it's with a sort of pride. A proud father and mentor. Which, at times, he is. Other times, those lines got a bit blurred with desire. But above all, Sansa had been Petyr's protege. She learned and is still learning from him. And the same mistakes of Westeros would not be made here. ]
Which is why I'm glad to hear you've kept our phone a secret. It may someday be vital in you and yours escaping a threat.
no subject
Sipping her wine, she tries not to be further troubled by the voice in her head that whispers about Jon being the one to kill the birds. There is a good chance that it had been him if someone was, in fact, responsible for killing the mockingbirds.
Lowering her glass back to the table, she leans forward to move a couple of appetizers to her plate while he points out the fact that she is there because her family can't protect her. But, truth be told, he can't protect her from everything either. She needs to be ready to be on her own but she doesn't see a reason why she can't use all the resources available to her when they are, in fact, available.
Focusing on him again, she can see the pride on his face and smiles a touch in response. Yes, there are times when the lines blur but there is a lot that he can teach her. There is a lot that he already has. ]
That and I'm sure it brings you some relief to know that I haven't revealed it to others. Especially with my parents now being here.
[ Because she knows that he had to have been worried about where they stood with each other now that both Catelyn and Ned Stark were alive in the same world as them again. ]
no subject
I had no doubt that I could trust you in that.
[ He offers her a faint smile, reaching out for his glass of wine. ]
But it's been going well at home? Since you've been reunited with most of your family?
no subject
Did you? [ She asks plainly, tilting her head. ] You weren't worried even a little bit?
[ She lowers her gaze when he asks about how things are going at home. She could tell him about the joy she feels at having her family back because she does feel that way. There is a warmth and safety that she feels when they are around but the troubling part is that it's a fleeting feeling. That, as soon as she is gone from their company, she is reminded that the time they have here is fleeting and that she is actually alone back home.
She wonders too how to explain that she isn't the same girl that her family knew. That there are so many secrets that she has now, so many things that she is keeping from them, that she doesn't know how to connect with them in the same way she used to before.
Instead, she nods. ]
It's a bit strange having so many people in such a small space. Not that the farm is actually small but it's not made for that many people. But it's nice to have them back.
no subject
[ Which was to say that no. Petyr was not worried. Not even a little bit that Sansa would talk about the burner phone. There were things that Sansa knew were better not to be told. And Petyr had faith in her wanting to focus on building a new relationship with her family while not dwelling on the past. Dragging Westerosi conflicts to this world does no one any favors. ]
I can imagine it would be quite cramped. You're a woman grown, and you still have to share a room with your sister?
[ Maybe he's guessing. Maybe he has a way of knowing that for certain. Either way, he can imagine that it must drive her the tiniest bit mad to not have a space to herself. ]
no subject
[ There was a part of that was curious about what he wanted her family to know, especially her mother. She knew how he felt about Catelyn Stark, after all. He had told her his feelings before declaring her to be more beautiful than her mother and sealing the declaration with a kiss. Of course, that had all taken place when her mother had been dead and now... ]
No, we each have our own room. We're not children anymore and the nights are not so cold here that we need to share warmth.
[ But, yes, the house could be cramped at times. ]
no subject
[ Petyr frowns briefly. A moment of rare regret -- lamenting his decision to marry her off to Ramsay. The ends justified the means in that Sansa did win back Winterfell. But at what cost? A ruined trust. A sexual experience that would forever haunt all of her future experiences. And the complete destruction of any innocence she had left.
He takes a sip of his drink to wet his pallet before speaking again. ]
There's no reason for them to know more than that. Unless your half brother speaks the words. In which case, there's little we can do.
no subject
[ She didn't have to tell anyone about what happened to her Aunt but it would be hard to hide it if she was asked right out. Not that her family would suspect anything having happened to the strange woman but surely her mother would want to know how Sansa had been treated.
Not that she is meaning to question him but she can't help being curious about what he might say when it comes to such things. If he had even really stopped to consider it, which she was sure he had.
Taking another small bite of food, she continues to watch him. ]
I suppose you are right. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them showed up to question you at some point in the future too.
no subject
[ Petyr Baelish, bearer of bad news that no one wants to tell one another. But it also did cause them to respect him for being the one to tell the truth. ]
I did not tell her the manner, of course. But she knows that Lysa met an untimely demise. Even so, I'm not so certain even she could fault me for making the choice I had. For protecting you.
[ Still, it's just another one of their little secrets. Like Joffrey. ]
no subject
She would still have questions.
[ She suspects that he wouldn't want to tell Catelyn that it had all started because Lysa saw him kiss Sansa. ]
What else did you tell her?
no subject
[ Petyr falls silent as the waiter comes to take their half eaten appetizers from the table and bring over the main course -- two large bowls of exquisite soup full of rich vegetables, meat and flavors. They're also given fresh baked bread and butter to accompany the dish. And only when the server walks away, does Petyr speak again. ]
I didn't get much of a chance to speak to her more. This was at the library's opening, and I had been pulled away.
no subject
[ But there is still a bit of guilt lurking beneath the surface. Not as much as she should have since the woman had been her aunt but she pushes the thought from her mind rather quickly when the waiter brings them the soup.
Sitting back, she picks up a piece of bread while nodding. Then she decides to steer the conversation away from her mother and secrets. ]
Tell me more of your plans for the future?
no subject
[ He's evasive in answering her question, in bearing it all. Perhaps because he doesn't really have an end goal in mind for this world. There's no Iron Throne to sit upon. But there are political positions and a ladder to climb there. Or perhaps it's because he knows what will happen to their relationship in the future, how she may change if she goes home and returns. ]
But it still pales in comparison to you, sweetling.
[ Whistling for the waiter, the man brings over the final piece of the meal -- a plate of lemon cakes, just for Sansa. ]