Ah. Sansa doesn't hide the small sigh of relief she makes, though she does demur and turn her gaze aside.

"It's been eventful these past months," she freely admits. There's a lightness to her voice, however, as though she's not too bothered by the events. "I admit I've gotten a bit used to feeling out of my depths, as they say, but... I'm starting to feel safe. Cautiously, but safe. With you and my brother, and the wolves and hounds—"

And the boy. The memory of holding Jason's hand, of touching him, warms her face. "I think I might like to stay here a bit longer, if it's allowed."

She has been making a few friends, hadn't she? Lady Randvi has moved past simple friendship in Sansa's eyes, but there is the Doctor Darling, and Ser Levi, and Ser Bigby and—

And more names than Sansa thought she'd ever collect for herself. More people than she thought she'd feel comfortable trusting in some measure. She touches her fingers lightly to her cheek in girlish shyness at the thought. Friends — and with Jason Todd, the rising of something more.

"I pray it does not offend my lady that I've not introduced most of them," Sansa begins. "I'm not certain I know where to begin."

Oh, this reminds her. "Ser Red has been coming by more often, is that...? He prefers to sit outdoors in the cold. I don't quite understand why."

...???

Why would Jason not want to face Lady Randvi? Sansa's expression changes to a poorly concealed look of concern, her cheeks pinking just a touch. "I— He— Has he done something to offend you, my lady?"

She can't imagine Jason doing anything so offensive that he'd have to hide himself, never mind that it sounds entirely off character for him to even consider it. Should she talk to him? Should she ask Jon how to broach such a matter? "He's a reasonable man, I'm certain he can be convinced to mind himself, or attempt an apology."

"My in— Oh," Sansa responds, cheeks flushing a touch darker now. She had kissed Jason outside of Lady Randvi's home; had she seen them together? It was quite late into the night, but winter nights with the moon out can seem like twilight, and the Aurora lights were out then too. Had Lady Randvi been awake at the time?

She can't admit to it, not yet. If Lady Randvi doesn't mention it, Sansa doesn't have to confess to it. And Jon — he would be so upset that Sansa hasn't yet told him. She grips the back of the chair nervously.

"Ser Red has not been untoward, my lady," Sansa admits with honesty, at least. "He's been firmly respectful in truth, despite my interest. Is he unwelcome?"

"Jon will understand," Sansa answers firmly — perhaps more firmly than she means to. Jon would do it for her, if she asks. But Lady Randvi poses a serious question, and one Sansa knows she cannot dodge or evade without outright lying.

Her upset rises from deep within her, and she lets it colour her voice as she speaks.

"I was given to a man before I arrived here." This is always true. There is no going around this part, around Ramsay's part in her life. "Our parents are long dead. When I arrived here I was running from the man I was given to, and I— I was so terrified out in the snow, I thought he might find me again. I'd ran away, I was running north to find Jon where he was posted as a ranger.

"Jon knows what was done to me." Sansa shutters off as her eyes begin to sting. "My brother would do anything to make sure it never happens again, and I'm honoured that you would offer me protection, my lady. But Ser Red has not done upon me anything that would make me fear him. I feel safe with him.

"I don't know how much my words account for here, but he is a good man. I have seen the worst of men, and Ser Red is nothing like them."

Sansa knows this. She understands what she's being offered right now, here in this room, and she truly wants to admit to the truth — but her fears remain strong even now.

Her eyes start to sting from tears threatening to rise up.

"I do not feel courageous, my lady," she answers, her voice trembling. "I did nothing to stop it, I only ran. I am still running, and I don't know if I'll ever stop running, I'm—"

This is not how Sansa thought this conversation would go. She loses her poise and touches her knuckles to her cheek, brushing away tears that have yet to fall. "My lady, I promise you. I swear to you, if he ever dares to harm me I will kill him myself. I'll feed him to Lady first thing."