And all of this started with a cookie. Who would have believed? Not Brienne. Would she be a fool for being so trusting from the start? Perhaps a little. They grow wiser together through trial and error. Closer together still.

"Six months and no longer?" Not decades or even a year! Everyone keep saying it. She is having hard time internalizing it. "I've...not given it too much thought to leave." For a moment she worries her bottom lip between her teeth thoughtfully. "If I go I shall surely be in a long, long winter." And will she be able to find her way back so easily? There is always a question of that.