~ Tyrion ~
I could use a drink. My thoughts were torn between fascination and terror as I walked swiftly through stone halls, wishing I felt as put together as I looked. Though I'd managed to scrub the filth from my body, and once again rejoin the civilized world, I still felt like a monster. I'd heard mention of a woman named Elena. A fierce warrior who'd downed the queen's assassin, and though that didn't sound like the Elena I knew, I had remained hopeful. Until I'd searched and came up empty handed. Maybe she went back home. The thought of Elena reuniting with her sister brought about a smile.
"Welcome old friend. I admit it's good to see you." I spotted Varys coming towards me, hands tucked inside the sleeves of a deep purple robe with gold stitching. There was bruising beneath his eyes from lack of sleep, and a weariness that hadn't been there before. Something's happened.
"I've just met the queen. She's definitely something. " I chuckled, remembering the queen's distrust of the spy master. He nodded, attempting to appear good spirited, but ultimately failing.
"Has something happened? Is Elena alright?" He winced at her name, head shaking gravely.
"Is she-" I couldn't make myself say the words. The thought to unbearable.
"No, she's very much alive. She's here, acting as a protector of the queen." A laugh built in my throat, as I clapped joyously.
"Well take me to her. I have so much to tell her."
"No." His answer was firm, and demanded no questions, but I was filled with them.
"No?" His shoulders slumped in exhaustion as he nodded.
"She's not the same Tyrion. She's been greatly changed. The girl you knew is no more." It felt as if I'd been slapped. Here she was, so close after so long, and I was being denied permission to see her.
"Varys, honestly, Elena would never hurt me. She-"
"Tyrion?" Her voice was music that I could dance to, soothing my worries, as I turn to look at her. She'd plaited her hair, loose tendrils curling about a smooth tanned face. Mysterious blue eyes outlined in black. Figure on displayed beneath a white shirt with leather corset. Snug leather pants tucked into brown boots. She'd fashioned blades to both thighs, two blade handles sticking out from the back of her belt.
"Elena?" She laughed loudly, rushing into my arms, shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Varys was wrong. She would always be mine.
"Elena, no!" Varys knocked her to the side, a blade slipping from her grip as she bounced back up with silent grace. No longer did I see Elena, but a beautiful creature made of fury and violence.
"Elena stop! This isn't you!" Varys pleaded, hugging her tightly as she thrashed in his arms, a scream of rage pouring from her lips.
"He'll destroy us Varys! Please! You have to let me go!" My feet moved on their own, bringing me ever closer to the screaming monster that I'd created. If this is how I die. Then so be it.
"Tyrion wait!" Varys warned, though Elena had stopped fighting to watch me with distrusting eyes.
"I apologize, my lady. Look at what I did to you." I whispered as I came to stand before her, eyes misty as her face crumpled, tears spilling down flushed cheeks.
"You shouldn't have come." She uttered in return, pushing away from Varys to go retrieve her fallen blade.
"Elena I-"
"You should do well to please the queen, because once she gives the word, I will kill you myself."
"Elena, please." But she didn't stop in her retreat, didn't turn around.
"What happened to her Varys?" I questioned, wondering at our encounter.
"I have a theory, but it needs more study. It's good to have you back old friend. There is much work to be done."