~Varys~
The smoldering sun cast long shadows along the packed dirt road leading through the Dornish marketplace. Laughter and too much noise mixing with my already screaming thoughts. Other times, I would have greatly enjoyed a visit to the desert country, but business was grave, and the future dark.
"You're late." Breath hitched as I turned to take in Leo, a local brothel owner, and long time informant of mine. A smile of relief eased into place as I took in the tired dark eyes of my Dornish friend.
"There was other business to be handled. You found her?" A frown marred otherwise chiseled tanned features as he nodded, motioning for me to follow. We ventured through the clogged streets, pausing long enough to open the door of an old tavern. It was crowded here as well, with the added delight of drunken laughter and strong body odor.
"She's there." My attention fell onto a lithe little girl dressed in rags. Eyes of the purest blue peered from beneath a halo of dark curls. She was casually staring at a large man, who was drunkenly boasting a tale of having fought six men at once.
"What's she doing?" I asked as she picked up six empty mugs, carrying them shakingly towards the man's table. Leo chuckled low in his throat, motioning for silence.
"Watch a master at work." He whispered, while Elena stumbled, the mugs clattering onto the table as she collided with the floor. The man stood up with a roar, fist high in the air, as he rounded on the girl shakingly getting up from the ground.
"I'm so sorry. Please sir. Forgive my foolishness." She sobbed, large tears rolling down flushed cheeks. He paused, looking down at the young girl with glazed eyes.
"Go on then. Stupid girl." He slurred, turning with little grace, to land heavily back in his seat. Elena bowed low, hurrying to collect the mugs then setting off towards the door, depositing the drink wear and picking up a loaf of bread, before exiting quietly, no one bothering to spare her a second glance.
"What did she do?" I asked quietly wondering what I'd missed. Leo let loose a low laugh, dark hair brushing a damp forehead as he shook his head.
"Just watch." The drunkard then belted out a roar that rose high above the laughing crowd.
"Thief! Where is she? I'll kill her!" He shouted while patting himself down, only to find the girl had stolen his coin pouch. I looked on, amazed, as the barkeep came to collect a tab.
"Like I said. Your girl has become a master." Leo laughed as he clapped my shoulder, setting a handful of coins on the dirty tabletop.
"Be careful Varys. Though the girl is all we'd hoped. There is something dark about her." He finished, leaving before I could utter a response.