This scene from the new 'Game of Thrones' is a much bigger deal than you probably realize

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones" season six.

Sunday's premiere episode of "Game of Thrones" season six brought one major plot twist, and plenty of other questions. But one set of characters had both a touching and satisfying interaction that left many fans (myself included) with tears in their eyes. 

Brienne and Sansa met once again, but this time Sansa accepted Brienne's vow into her service.

The two women met last season, when Brienne stumbled upon Sansa and Littlefinger in an inn. But Sansa wasn't sure if she could trust Brienne, and chose to turn away from her offer of protection. Within a few episodes, Littlefinger had convinced Sansa that marrying Ramsay Bolton was a good idea. It wasn't.

So when the Bolton men surrounded Sansa and Theon, cutting off their escape from Winterfell, it was an enormous relief to see Brienne and Podrick ride in and save the day. 

Then, without hesitation, Brienne lowered her sword and swore a vow to Sansa. "Lady Sansa, I offer my services once again," she said. "I will shield your back, and keep your counsel, and give my life for yours if need be. I swear it by the old gods and the new."

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Sansa stands tall and proud, but hesitates ever so briefly as she says her part of the solemn oath.

"And I vow that you shall always have a place by my hearth," she begins.

But then she pauses, at a loss for words. This is probably the first time she's ever had to recite this promise of service. Podrick gently prompts her, and then she completes the vow.

"... and meat and mead at my table. I pledge to ask no service of you that may bring you dishonor. I swear it by the old gods and the new," she finishes. "Arise."

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There is an intense sense of safety, power, and relief in this moment. Both Sansa and Brienne appear to be on the verge of tears as they stand in the snowy forest. 

For Brienne, part of why this ceremony was so emotional was due to her last Stark-vow. In season two, Brienne pledged her sword to Catelyn Stark in almost exactly the same manner. 

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Catelyn and Sansa share the same red hair, and both dress in typical northern attire. Both Sansa and Brienne have come so far since the day she swore allegiance to Catelyn. You can see the grief and horrible memories on their faces as they realize they have each other now. 

Brienne has wanted nothing more than to fulfill her promise to Catelyn of finding and protecting her daughters. Both Arya and Sansa eluded her grasp for a long time, but now she is in her rightful place. 

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Sansa also appears different, somehow. Perhaps it is the feeling of security finally washing over her, but you can see a look in her eyes that is more confident, perhaps even a Queen in the North type of confident. 

The kicker in all of this? Brienne's sword she carries — "Oathkeeper" — is made from the melted down Valyrian steel in Ned Stark's old sword. Tywin Lannister had it turned into two blades, and gave one to Jaime who in turn gave the sword to Brienne. 

Sansa Stark now has a highly capable and loyal warrior at her side, one who carries a small piece of her dead father's legacy. If that doesn't stir some emotions in your "Game of Thrones" pot, I don't know what will.