Elyssia Thorne

The only good thing that came out of the royal visit, was the separation at meal times. Normally Lady Catelyn insisted that they eat together, all crowded around a long table in the Stark s privet dinning room. It was an incredibly tense setup for her when Lady Catelyn was glaring down the table at anyone that dared to misbehave, especially Theon, Jon, or Elyssia. But with the royal family joining them, she d had no choice but to split them up into two groups. Robb and Sansa had joined her and Lord Stark at the high table with King Robert, his queen, their children, and the queen s brothers. They had thankfully been sat with Arrya, Bran, and Rickon. Jon had been meant to join them, but he could scarcely be found when ever the royal family was present.

This was the only peace Elyssia would have all day. Just after breakfast the real challenge would begin; finding a place where Lord Tyrion and Ser Jamie wouldn t think to appear. She d tried nearly every spot in Winterfell she could think of, starting with the armory (it was Ser Jamie who d happened upon her there, forcing her to pretend she was checking to see if the new arrows had been fletched.) and ending with the Library (Tyrion was apparently fond of books and had asked Luwin to show him to the Stark s collection). The only place she could think of now was the Godswood, and she had no desire to spend the day there, being suffocated by the threat of Lord Stark s heart tree.

Elyssia? You alright? Elyssia s attention snapped to Theon as he spoke. Both he and Bran were watching her, though Bran s gaze was more curious rather than Theon s intensity.

I m fine Elyssia said. Just a little tired. I think I stayed up too late reading

Were you reading Maester Luwin s dragon book? Bran asked. I asked to see it yesterday but he said someone had taken it already

I m sorry Bran. I m almost finished with it. When I am I ll bring it to you myself Elyssia said with a slight smile. Her answer seemed to satisfy Bran, as he turned away to argue with Arrya about their recent lessons on significant houses in the north. Theon was less than impressed.

"Have they been bothering you?" Theon leaned in to whisper to her.

Elyssia glanced between the Stark siblings, checking to see that they were still occupied. "They've just been watching me" She whispered in return.

"Elyssia" Bran's voice drew her attention to him. The boy frowned at her. "Lord Tyrion is staring at you"

Elyssia spared a look at the high table, finding the man in question. He was indeed staring shamelessly at her, an intene look on his face. She heard Theon let out an irritated breath as Lord Tyrion dipped his head toward her, smiling before taking a drink from his cup. Elyssia felt a shiver go down her spine as he licked his lips, eyes never leaving her.

"If you'll excuse me" She said suddenly, sitting her napkin to the side and standing up abruptly. She gave a slight curtsy toward the high table and hurried from the room, shutting the door behind her before anyone could say something. Lady Catelyn would be furious, but Elyssia couldn't be bothered. She just couldn't stand underneath that heated gaze anymore.

"You seem to vanish quite often, Lady Thorne" Elyssia jumped as a voice came from behind her. She spun, finding the younger of the queen's brothers standing behind her.

"Lord Tyrion" She said, hoping her voice didn't sound as shaky as she felt.

"You've been quite scarce since we came here" He said, looking up at her with a unreadable expression.

"I've been busy" Elyssia answered. "Lady Catelyn asks me to look after the little ones sometimes. And I do other things to help as well."

"I'm sure you do" He nodded. "Anything to help your captors, hm?"

"They're not my captors...my lord" Elyssia nearly choked on the words. "The Starks are the only family I've ever known."

"And yet you're still a bargaining point to them, eh?" Lord Tyrion said.

"I don't under-"

"I'm aware of Lord Stark's dealings with His Grace" He cut her off. "They want to marry you off to one of the Stark boys. Or Theon Greyjoy"

"Theon?" Elyssia frowned in confusion. "Or Robb?"

"Or the other one. Bran" Lord Tyrion nodded, seemingly pleased with her lack of knowledge. "Though he's a bit young for you if I say so myself"

"Lady Catelyn would never have me marry Robb" She shook her head. "And Theon is no more their son than I am their daughter"

"So you say" Lord Tyrion nodded, Elyssia recoiled as he grabbed her hand, nearly jerking him toward him. "Then what does that mean for you?"

Elyssia was saved from answering as the dining room door open. Robb emerged, his expression concerned. He stopped as he took in the scene in front of him. Lord Tyrion grasping Elyssia's hand while she drew back.

"Lady Elyssia?" Robb questioned, sending her a concerned look. "Are you alright?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Robb" Elyssia sent a pleading look at Robb.

"Very well" Robb cast a warning look at Lord Tyrion. "I hope you don't mind if I borrow Lady Elyssia, Lord Tyrion. I promised to take her riding with myself and Theon this morning"

"Not at all" Tyrion held her hand out to Robb, waiting as he took it from him gently. "Do what you will with you...foster sister"

"If you'll excuse us" Robb nodded to him. She followed as he lead her down the long hallway, feeling Tyrion's hot gaze on her back the entire way.

"Thank you" Elyssia said as soon as they were out of sight of Lord Tyrion. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come out"

"Never mind that" Robb dropped her hand and turned toward her. "Are you alright? Did he do anything?"

"No" Elyssia shook her head. "Just...he mentioned that I might have to...that they plan too.."

"Marry you to myself or Theon?" Robb finished her sentence. "I'm sorry you had to find out from him. My father thought it best not to tell you right away"

"Are they really going to do it?" She asked. "I mean...I don't mind marrying either of you if that is what is asked of me...but I wanted to see Elderbridge for myself and see the southern lands."

"I know" Robb nodded. "And if my father has his way you will. It's my mother and King Robert that want you...connected...to one of us. I've tried speaking to my father, but he seems unsure of what to do"

Elyssia looked down, sighing softly. "If I must become the Lady of Winterfell...or of Pyke...I will. There's no need to worry, Robb. I plan to do whatever it takes to assure your father and King Robert of my loyalties"

"I'm glad to hear it. You may not know it, Elyssia. But you've come to be a great friend. Bran and Sansa look up to you. And you're one of the few people able to pacify Rickon and keep Arrya's attention. " Robb smiled. "Not to mention keep Theon busy when he's restless"

"And what is that supposed to mean" Elyssia recognized the teasing tone in the Stark heir's voice.

"Oh nothing" Robb grinned.

"Robb" Elyssia said, narrowing her eyes.

"Something the two of you want to tell me?" Both Elyssia and Robb jerked in surprise. Theon was standing a few paces away, arms crossed over his face. There was a cross look on his face as he stared the two of them go.

"In a way" Robb seemed to have recovered quickly.

"What happened?" Theon said loudly. He looked even more frustrated when she looked down. .

"Oh. It's just you, Theon" Robb relaxed, smiling in Theon's direction. "Lord Tyrion cornered Elyssia today. I was just checking to see if she's okay."

"Did he touch you?" Theon bypassed, Robb, turning his attenion directly to Elyssia. "If he did, I swear I'll"

"I'm fine Theon" He jumped as she touched his arm. "He grabbed my hand. But he let me go when Robb came out"

"And that's it?" Theon looked away from Elyssia, turning his attention toward Robb.

"That's all there was" Robb nodded. "Though I told Tyrion we were taking her for a ride today to get her away. So I suggest we go as soon as possible."

"A ride?" Theon said, looking confused.

"You heard me" He smiled. "Now let's go. We've got horses to saddle"