A Reborn Friend

Sansa stared in disbelief as the direwolf entered the courtyard and started growling a bit as if to warn the others not to get too close.

"Lady?" Sansa asked, her voice trembling in a hopeful tone, "Is that you?"

Then she watched as the mighty beast that was as tall as a horse turned to look at her, her features relaxing the second she smelled the wind in her direction.

Then the huge wolf lunged at her, causing everyone but Jon to tense in alarm. When Sansa fell to the ground, she started getting her face licked by her old friend and she couldn't stop herself from crying as she hugged her now-grown companion. Jon smiled warmly when she sniffed in joy and after the moment sunk in, she had to ask the obvious question.

"But how?" She wondered aloud, her eyes wide.

"Turns out," Jon started explaining, "the wound father was ordered to give her was deliberately made so it wouldn't be fatal if it was treated quickly, which it was, after a discreet bannermen made her fall asleep with milk of the poppy, before moving her to their nearby keep; after which she released beyond the wall on father's orders as soon as he could send a raven."

Sansa barely had enough time to feel the mild pulse in her neck that indicated her brother was lying before she was suddenly startled by Jon's voice inside her head.

"That's the official version, anyway." He told her without moving his lips.

The redhead started, almost demanding an explanation loudly. Then she remembered the recent alterations in her belief system and her words died in her throat.

"And the unofficial version is?" She asked silently, knowing he would hear her.

"Well, I may have used my powers to retroactively create the evidence and memories of such an event," Jon admitted, "But that's actually a reborn form of Lady. I altered the past to make sure that her memories of you would be transferred to a pup from the next direwolf bitch to give birth after her original form was killed. That's why she still looks mostly like Lady, but the tone of her fur now also resembles that of Nymeria more closely. Still, as you can see, she is very happy to see you," He mentally said with a grin.

"As am I," Sansa thought out as she wiped off her tears, beyond touched that her brother had been able and willing to do this for her.

She started rubbing Lady's head, to which she playfully sat down in order to make it easier for her old friend to pet her. And she just sat there on the dirty snow, overcome with happiness.

"Come on," Jon called, "I only just found her again a few days ago. Let's take her to Ghost, I am sure he would like to see her again."

Sansa stood up at that, her enormous wolf by her side, as she followed her wonderful brother while smiling from ear to ear.

Before long, they found Ghost eating some meat in an isolated corner of the outer yard, chewing at the bones. Then the smaller direwolf saw his companion approach and licked its lips in contentment when Jon petted the side of his head.

"Hey there buddy," He said, grinning as Lady turned around the corner. "You recognize her, don't you?"

All at once, Ghost started wiggling his tail in excitement as he started to bark emotionally. Then the two long lost littermates tackled each other playfully, making their human companions chuckle fondly. After a moment of silent contentment, Jon turned to his sister.

"Look, just so you know, I did make some slight alterations to make Lady calmer," Jon confessed. "Aside from overt danger, she won't attack people, horses, or other domesticated animals without your say so. More to the point, she will also let you ride her when her strength allows."

The redhead's look absolutely delighted at that last revelation. "I always wanted to do that!" She shouted in excitement. "Thank you so much!"

"Anytime," Jon replied with a grin. "Now, I know you would be going without me to try to secure the aid of House Mormont but I also know you can handle it. Besides, if Lady Lyanna is anything like her uncle Jeor was, then she will certainly respect strength and honor. So, show her the honor of House Stark while riding into her hall on a strong direwolf's back and I assure you that she will take you seriously," The former Lord Commander said confidently.

Sansa nodded, taking in the sight of the reunited wolves as her eyes started fluttering; her heart pounding in affection. Then, she realized that even if someone heard them in this far-off corner of the undermanned fort, she needed to say it despite the taboo of it all.

"Jon," She said slowly as she waited for her brother to locked his gaze with hers, "there is something I don't want to be left unsaid anymore and it can't wait."

She saw him wait expectantly and she got close enough to feel his breath on her. And then, as she stared into his eyes, she whispered the most honest words she had ever said.

"I love you," She said softly, her blue eyes tearing up.

Jon let out a breath he was holding in; as if a weight has been lifted from his shoulders.

"I love you too, Sansa."

Then he looked around for a brief moment before shaking his head.

"Ah, screw it," He uttered.

And so they kissed right then and there, forever chaining a part of their hearts to each other.

A/N: I used Nymeria's images since Lady didn't manage to fully grow. From what I have seen, the two wolves look very similar but the former is slightly darker. Hence my reborn explanation to write my way out of the color discrepancies. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and if you did, please leave your thoughts down below.