~Elena~

I found Lord Varys hiding amongst the books in the library, a young child by his side, who was waiting patiently to receive whatever Varys was scribbling hurriedly.

"Lord Varys, I need to speak with you. It's about a mutual interest." I spoke softly as the child eyed me curiously. He'd been picked off the streets. I could tell not by his skin, which had been scrubbed raw, or his clothes which were made of fine silk and probably borrowed for the occasion. It was by the slump of his shoulders, the alertness in his young eyes. He was accustomed to the harsh life. He, like me, had been plucked by Lord Varys' careful fingers to play as a pawn in his game.

"Just a moment dear." He acknowledged as he signed the letter, fanning the ink dry before he handed it to the boy.

"No one else but our agreed party sees this, understand?" Lord Varys spoke, his voice stern as he gazed at the boy.

"Yes m'lord." The child declared before snatching up the letter and running from the room.

"He's very young." I commented as I took a seat beside the plump noble.

"Only six. He'll ditch the clothes as soon as he leaves the castle, probably sell them for food, then he'll be a dirty child again, and who pays attention to children?" He sighed before he clasped his hands in his lap.

"What did you need to speak about little bird?" Right. I gulped a deep calming breath before I confessed everything I knew of Sansa's upcoming engagement and my fears of being sent away. I will not leave my sister, and I dare someone to try and make me. Lord Varys frowned deeply, running thick ringed fingers over his bald head.

"I'd heard whispers of such an engagement. She is living a fool's dream. Now that Tywin is back, no one will have their own say. As to your fear, if Sansa should marry, she will, most likely, take on a different handmaiden from High Garden. So rest assured you will not be shipped away." I frowned as I thought of Tyrion's father, Tywin. Predator eyes forever calculating, face always crumpled in a frown. I'd had the fortune of staying out of his way thus far, but I feared it wouldn't be that way forever.

"So you believe Sir Loras actually wishes to marry Sansa, or is this a Tyrell ruse to gain the Stark girl's trust?" It was something I'd often thought of as I listened to Sansa recount tales of Sir Loras' gloriousness. I'd often watched the boy myself, wondering what it was he was after. A secret lies within that boy, and I'll be damned if I let him drag Sansa into something dark and unforgiving.

"I believe he genuinely cares for her. Perhaps not as a wife, but as a friend. I admit, I haven't had much time to gather whispers of the Tyrell boy. I am quite astonished that you haven't gone hunting for answers yourself." A smile pulled at my lips as he chuckled, no doubt recounting our previous work together. I had been young then, only thirteen, and so full of questions. I'd been living as quite a skilled pick pocket when Lord Varys found me, afraid he would call the guards that constantly patrolled the streets, but he'd offered me sweet cakes, and later a job as his spy. I'd sworn to never reveal the work I was doing, and should I be caught, I'd taken a blood oath not to give away that I was working with Lord Varys.

"Everyone seems to be leaving me behind. When I actually see Sansa, I can barely get a sensible word out of her. Tyrion keeps to himself, so wrapped up in his own fear that I'm little more than a thought. Lucia is still so young and innocent, I simply can't get her involved more than she already is. Then there's the darkness." Lord Vary's looked at me closely, eyes searching every detail of my face as I fought not to squirm under his gaze.

"Darkness?" He asked as he leaned back, his eyes still focused with hawk like intensity. I nibbled my lower lip, wondering how much I should tell him. If I don't tell someone, I'll go insane.

"It started during the riot, when Sansa was snatched on the streets. Twenty men must have fell by my blade in my attempt to get to her, and more still in order to save her. Then it showed again during the Battle of the Black Water, both when I thought I'd have to kill the Queen's guard and when I went into the fray to find Tyrion." His mouth formed a perfect circle, his fist clenching as his neck flushed scarlet.

"You were in the battle? Have you lost your mind Elena? You could have been killed." He admonished as he unclenched his hand long enough to grab mine.

"I had to know he was alright. There's no need to worry, I made sure Sansa was safe before I went out." I explained softly, wondering if maybe I should have kept that last detail to myself.

"Sansa is not who I am worried about. I worry about you Elena. This darkness, it's like when you were younger isn't it?" He's voice took on a soothing tone as he rubbed small circles on my palms. I shook my head. This was different than the small brawls and arguments I used to get into as a kid. Never before had I actually craved violence.

"No, it's not the same. It's darker, more blinding." I confessed as I flexed my fingers to keep from caressing the blade that was strapped to my thigh.

"Perhaps I should send you and your sister back to Dorne?" He mused as he tapped his chin, mouth pulled in a frown.

"What will happen to Sansa if I leave?" I asked as I let the thought of home settle in my mind. The burning desert sand under my feet. The sun hot on my skin as I taste the fruits that grow in my uncle's personal garden.

"If you leave, she will no longer be your concern." He stated simply before he leaned back and waited for my decision. I won't be able to protect Sansa from Dorne, and Tyrion-

"I'm fine. There's no need to worry. Sansa is the mission, and I always complete my missions." I decided as I stood from my seat, bowing slightly.

"Thank you for your time Lord Varys." I finished as I made to walk away.

"Perhaps you should distance yourself from the little lord Elena. Until this darkness passes." I paused, studying him as he studied me. He was hiding something, of that much I was certain, but what it had to do with Tyrion was not yet clear.

"I'll be careful. It was nice seeing you Lord Varys. We should do it again sometime." I left with his chuckle following me.