~Elena~
I was alone again, as I found happening to me more and more. Normally, I might have taken enjoyment at a bit of alone time, but my mind would not be put at ease with the words of the dark haired lady ringing in my ears and the fact that I hadn't heard from Tyrion in days. Lady Sansa had decided to take the day for herself, telling me I could return to help her get ready for her lunch date with Lady Margaery and her mother. I'd decided to take the time to do a bit of investigating myself. Lord Varys had sent for me to be a useful little bird. Might as well be of use. I thought as I slipped on a dress of pale green, taking the time to braid my hair from my face and belting my knife to my thigh before rushing from my room, brown traveling cloak in hand.
I'd found that the market place was a wonderful source of gossip. Amongst the vendors' loud boasting voices, one could pick up quick snatches of conversation. It appeared, from what pieces I could gather, that Lady Margaery had visited the orphanage, passing out toys and food to the children. The people of King's Landing were in better spirit, speaking highly of their new queen to be, though they still spit on Joffery's names, which was really no surprise. I walked steadily deeper in the market, wondering if I should buy something to keep up appearances or not.
"Elena? Is that you?" My heart stuttered and my breath hitched as I slowly turned to see a familiar face. Elizabeth was waving at me, her face flushed with excitement as she rushed over to me, flocked by two handmaidens dressed in pale pink.
"Hello Lady Elizabeth." I greeted with a slight curtsy as was expected.
"No need for that Elena. We're friends after all. Oh I have the most exciting news. Do walk with me will you?" She offered as she turned and presented her arm. I took it, walking with her as if we'd been friends for a long time.
"What news do you have Lady Elizabeth?" I asked as I focused both on her and the people around me. She giggled, face flushing pink again and she pushed back a stray blonde hair from her face.
"I am engaged to be married. I haven't met him yet mind you, for he's a merchant and constantly traveling, but we write letters constantly. He comes from a long line of well to do family." She spoke, her voice light with awe.
"That is exciting news indeed. I hope their cook makes cakes as good as yours." I teased. She smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I doubt that very much." I might can use this new found friendship to my advantage. I thought as she stopped to look at an assortment of necklaces.
"Lady Elizabeth. I was wondering if perhaps you've heard news of any interesting happenings after the war?" She selected one of sapphire and diamonds, paying the asked for coins before walking with me again, her brow wrinkled with concentration.
"There have been rumors amongst the commoners that Tyrion Lannister helped defeat the army of Stannis Baratheon. Though most of the nobles say it was really Tywin Lannister. I'm not sure which is actually true. Apparently Tywin came with the aid of the house of Tyrell from High Garden, bringing with him a very beautiful woman by the name of Margaery Tyrell." She looked at me then with wide eyes. "Poor Lady Sansa. To think of the embarrassment she must have felt to be cast aside so effortlessly. It's quite a scandal really. Lady Margaery was married once before. A widower I hear it told. Her husband killed by one of his own, in his own camps." I didn't ask how it was she knew this information. As a bird, my job was to collect as much information as possible, not to ask pointless questions of my informants.
"Surely, if she'd been married before, then she is not as innocent as she claimed to be?" I asked. Elizabeth frowned for a moment, mulling over my question as we stopped by a vendor boasting hair accessories.
"No, I imagine she wouldn't be innocent if she'd actually consummated her marriage. I mean, marriage isn't exactly final until then I hear." Her face flushed again at this moment, and I realized she must be thinking of her own upcoming marriage.
"Have you ever laid with a man before?" She asked softly as we continued walking, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"It is not so bad. It only hurts a little at first." I answered, trying to ease her worries. She nodded her acceptance before her hand maidens stepped up beside her.
"It's time to go my lady. Your mother is expecting you back soon." One of them spoke softly, eyeing me with displeasure. I smiled at her, not bothered by her judgment.
"Yes of course. I hope we meet again soon Elena. It was wonderful speaking to you." Elizabeth spoke in farewell before she kissed my cheek and hurried off. Nice speaking to you too. I thought with a sly smile before I hurried back to the Keep.