Chapter 3, Part 1: Inside the outsider

~Elyna~

Elyna wasn't ready for any of this. She didn't want to move on because she just got used to her being an orphan. They arrived at Petyrs (that's what Lord Baelish wanted her to call him) chambers. She looked around. The purple-reddish curtains were awful.

Lord Baelish: This is your room. I hope you like it.
Elyna: Yes, Mylord, it is more than enough.

Elyna was astonished. Her room was very pretty, not like Petyrs rooms. Something caught her attention. There were plenty of dresses on her bed.

Lord Baelish: I would like you to take one of these. Prince Tommen is celebrating his name day today and there will be a ceremony in the great hall.
Elyna: I will choose one, Petyr.

It felt weird to call him by his real name. Elyna headed towards the dresses and touched the soft fabric of a beautiful white dress.

Lord Baelish: And I forgot to mention: This is your handmaiden Nayaer. She will take care of you. I have to prepare myself for later as well.

Elyna turned her head. A handmaiden? She?

Nayaer: Let's start Elyna, we only have one hour and you don't want to be late.

Nayaer had a strong accent but Elyna didn't know where she came from. She wondered what Nayaer had gone through. However, she didn't dare to ask.
Nayaer started to comb Elynas hair with her hands. She went through it very softly and braided a lock of her hair.

Nayaer: You have very pretty hair, Elyna. I am jealous.

Nayaer touched her own hair. It was long, dark brown and sparkled slightly in the evening sun. Elyna thought she was a very pretty girl and even though she seemed to be poor, she made the best out of her.

Nayaer: Which dress do you want to take?

Elyna wasn't used to have a choice. Back then when her parents were still alive, she had two dresses. One for daily life and one for special occasions which she has never worn though. However, Elyna already knew which one to pick. The white one caught her attention right from the start.

Elyna: The white one, please.
Nayaer: Good choice my dear.

Elyna put on the dress while Nayaer held her hair. Elyna smiled. She has never looked as beautiful as she did in this moment, at least she couldn't remember another time.

Nayaer: As I thought, very pretty but we have to hurry now. I hear noise from the great hall.

Elyna and Nayaer went down the stairs fast and entered the great hall. And it was great. Elyna looked around and gasped. She has never seen such a pretty decorated room in her life. She dreamed of how someday someone might celebrate her name day like this. Nayaer looked to the left.

Nayaer: Look, there are two seats.

Elyna came back to reality.

Elyna: Ehm yes, two seats. We better sit down.

Elyna got along well with the other handmaidens and had a good time. They talked about the life in the castle, their past lifes and boys of course. Nayaer told them about her home. She came from Valyria.

Elyna: Oh really? I know how to speak valyrian, my mom taught me when I was little.

Lord Baelish suddenly stood behind her. He touched her shoulder.

Lord Baelish: Elyna, you are sitting at the wrong table.

He took her arm and pulled her up. Littlefinger didn't let go until they reached the kings table. He sat down and there it was. Elynas seat right next to him and opposite of King Joffrey who didn't even notice her. She sat down while the others continued their discussion about Robb Stark and Stannis Baratheon. Elyna felt like an outsider, she didn't even know who Robb Stark is.
Finally, Margaery looked at her and smiled.

Margaery: I am very pleased to see you like this Elyna. White suits you well.

Elyna looked at Margaerys dress. It was light blue and the skirt of it was beautifully gathered. Margaery had a weakness for blue dresses because they emphasize her dark blue eyes.

Joffrey: At least she looks like someone who lives in this castle and not on the street.

Elyna became mad. Who did he think he is? Of course she knew about his bad reputation -everyone knew- but she has never done anything to him and this was just plain rude.
However, Elyna stayed calm on the surface. She was an outsider in this society, someone with a whole lot of luck and nothing more.

Elyna: Yes, your grace. I tried my best.

Tyrion Lannister looked awfully bored and changed the topic. He told stories of him and whores and Petyr seemed to be very interested. This was too much for Elyna.
She turned to Petyr.

Elyna: May I go, Petyr? I am very tired it has been a long day for me.
Lord Baelish: Of course Elyna. Good night my dear.

Elyna stood up and went outside. She had already enough of being a fancy girl.

End of Chapter 3, Part 1: Inside the outsider