The chamber I will be staying in for the next few days, weeks, hopefully not months were smaller than the ones I have in Kings Landing, which made sense. I'm just a guest here. And either way, I always did think that I had way to much space. The chamber was more than fine. I noticed that there were a few books on the table beside the bed and I wondered how much trouble and work did our arrival cause for the Stark family. I just met them, but they seem kind enough. I think I will have a good time here.
-What do you think of WInterfell My Lady?-I heard Elisa ask and I snapped out of my day dreaming.
-I like it well enough.-I said. I did not see the need to lie to one of the persons who I trust the most.-It is very cold here, but I have no doubt that I will be used to it very soon, tomorrow even.-I said.
-I think it is beautiful. It hasn't changed much since we were here last time.-she said, and I frowned.
-I'm sorry Elisa, what did you say?-I asked her. Was I losing my mind? I was never before in Winterfell.
-I was saying that it hasn't changed much. Or at all to be honest.-she said with a smile, before she saw the look on my face.-You don't remember my lady?-she asked, and I shook my head.-Well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. You were very young. If I remember correctly, you were 5.-she said with a smile.
-And you remember it?-I asked her. Gods, what is happening, did I have a hole in my mind now?
-My Lady, I know I may look young, but I am 10 years older than you are.-she said with a smile, and I couldn't help but laugh.-We were here for at least a month. I know you may not remember it, but you had so much fun here. You were running around with the Stark children and your nephew. You were around snow for the first time. It's a shame you can't remember.-she said, and I smiled to her.
-I guess I can't remember it since so many things have happened in the next 14 years.-I said and she laughed.-I am mostly surprise that no one told me this before we got here. No, do not dare and blame yourself.-I said when I saw that she was about to apologies.-I was thinking of my sister. I could have easily embarrassed myself by saying Pleasure to meet you to a man I already met.-I said with a bitter tone. For a moment, I thought Cersei did it on purpose. But it doesn't help her if I embarrass myself.-She probably thought I remember. We never did talk much.-I said with a smile that Elisa returned. She has been my made ever since I could remember. And seeing that I don't remember my previous stay here, in Winterfell, she was my made probably before I could remember. She knew of my cold relationship with my sister.-I suppose I should pick out a dress for the feast, shouldn't I?-I asked her, and she laughed.
-I was thinking you will choose pants again my lady. To keep the eyes that were on you when we arrived. You do like to make an entrance.-she said and I swear to the Gods, my stomach because of laughing.
-That is true. I do like to make an entrance, but I do not like to keep the attention on myself. You pick me out a dress; I do not have the strength to think about it. I just need a bath.-I said, and she nodded.
-I will prepare the water in a moment.-she said, and I sat down on the bed. The it was very soft because of the furs on the covers. I suppose nights here can be very cold. I suddenly remembered Gendry.
-Elisa, please, remind me tomorrow to write a letter to a friend of mine.-I said trying to sound casual. I did not fool her, as she moved the sheered folding screen so that she could see me. I looked guilty.
-It's that Gendry boy again, isn't it my lady?-she asked. Gods, why do I feel like I'm being scolded?
-Yes, it is.-I said, slightly defensive. She knew about our friendship for years now.-Elisa, you know he is just a friend. I would never act around like a… well, like a whore.-I said, and she sighed.
-You were sneaking around last night, weren't you my Lady?-she asked. I did not need to answer, she could see it on my face. How does she sound so judging and respectful at the same time?-My Lady, I am aware that I should keep my mouth shut, but I just cannot. What you do is very dangerous. If you get caught, no one will believe that you are just friends. You will be punished, and I doubt that boy will see the light of day again.-she said. In a way, she is right.-I beg of you my Lady, don't do that.-she asked.
-I guess you're right. And you have nothing to worry about now that we're here.-I said with a smile.
-Yes, until you decide to sneak out with someone from Winterfell.-she said with a smile, and I laughed.
-That is the one thing you do not have to worry about Elisa.-I said, and she shook her head.
-We'll just see about that My Lady. Come now, you bath is ready.-she said. Gods, how I love that woman. There are times when I think that I would not be able to handle this without here with me.
As soon as she braided my hair, I sent her off. Not only do I need my rest, but she needs hers to. She will be back again before the feast, to get me ready. I was not happy about that. I would have preferred to stay in my chambers until tomorrow morning, but when you have a King as your guest, there is no such thing as a normal night. I have no doubt that we will have pretty lavish feasts every night until we leave.
At least the bed was very comfortable. I was reading one of the books that were on the table, but I must have fallen asleep. I was very tired after all. It seemed like my eyes just closed when I heard a knock on my door. Is it time for the feast already? I do not want to deal with strangers at this moment!
-Come in.-I said and I got up in a seating position. And I jumped straight up when I saw that it wasn't Elisa who knocked on my door end entered. It was Robb Stark, Lord Stark's eldest son.-My apologies my Lord, I thought it was my hand maiden.-I said, a bit breathlessly. Brilliant start Elena, no doubt about it.
-My Lady, I have to apologies, I have interrupted you in your rest.-he said, but I shook my head.
-You did not, don't apologies. Would you like some water?-I asked as I poured myself a goblet.
-Thank you my lady.-he said, and moments later, I handed him another goblet. I took a good look at him. He is very handsome, that is sure. He looked like both his mother and father, but I could see more of Lady Stark in him. Auburn hair, piercing blue eyes. I was sad and happy at the same time when I realized that I'm not that fascinated by him. Happy, because I could stand my ground, not falling for every blue eyed man I meet. And sad, because it would be at least interesting. I guess I just saw to many man in Kings Landing to be affected by one now. Although, I did find the Northern men much more attractive.
-What can I do for you my lord?-I asked with a small smile. Surely he did not come here just to see me.
-I wanted to see if you were happy with your accommodations and if you need anything my lady.-he said. There is no doubt in my mind that his mother trained him well for this. He was very… rehearsed.
-Everything is more than well my lord.-I said with a small smile.-And please, call me Elena.-I said.
-In that case, I am Robb for you.-he said, and I nodded with a smile.-I also wanted to ask you whether you will allow me to accompany you to the feast. Not only because of tradition, but because the halls in Winterfell can be very confusing if you're new to them.-he said, and I smiled, while poring myself some more water. I would happily agree to go with him either way, but I felt a small bit of satisfaction when I thought about Cersei's reaction. She may not love me, but she won't like seeing me with a Northerner.
-Yes, yes, of course.-I said, a little distracted. I looked at him again. He was tall, wide in the shoulders. I'm not sure if that is because of the way he's dressed, because of the furs, or is he really masculine. I did not see anything Cersei spoke about on our way here. So far, the Starks have proven themselves. I would dare say that the Northerners are more civilized than my family.-And I apologies in advance for my family's behavior.-I added bitterly and he frowned.
-Why are you so sure that they will behave badly?-he asked me, and I smiled.
-Probably because I have lived with them for 19 years.-I said and he smiled.-The King will be drunk even before the feast starts. My sister will be looking down on every single person in the room. One of my brothers will be watching my every move like a watch dog, and the other brother, if he even bothers to show up, will be drinking too much wine and making rude commends. Do not say I did not warn you.-I said and he smiled.
-And what will you be doing Elena?-he asked, and I smiled.
-What will I be doing? I will be drinking a lot of wine and praying to the Gods that I find a person I can have a decent conversation with.-I said and took a sip of water. I sound bitter. Yes, he must think I am a very bitter person. Probably because I actually am.
-I have to notice, it is true what they say about you.-he said, and I raised my brows. Do I even want to know what does he mean with that.-You are nothing like your family.-he said, and I started laughing.
-For once, the rumors are true. I was always more like a Baratheon than I was a Lannister.-I said, but not before I realized what I was actually saying.-Gods, forgive me Robb. I am too honest for my own good. And you do not want to listen to this. Me and my tongue. I apologize.-I said. I wasn't doing this to save my reputation, I was doing it because I will bore the man to death the way I started now.
-There is nothing to apologize for. If you need someone to have a decent conversation with, I am here.-he said, and I smiled. Good job, he actually remembered something I said. If he does that often, I guess he will know his way around women. Gods Elena, look at the man. And he is an heir. He already knows his way around woman.-I should probably leave now, since I'm in your chambers. I will come to collect you before the feast.-he said, and I just nodded. He left the room, and I returned back to the bed.
I feel quite sad now. I wish I was one of those girls who knew how to talk to men. Not talk, but flirt. That is a talent in my opinion. The only thing I can use is sarcasm and too much honesty for my own good. I suppose there are men who find that charming, but I have yet to meet them. And that is not the only thing. I was sad because I am apparently immune to men too. I can make my decision on whether they are attractive to me or not, but that is it. I have never felt anything while talking to a man I find attractive. Not a single thing, and yet, I still wonder why I didn't fall in love yet.
Yes, I may be a fairly smart girl at times, but when it comes to men, flirting and love, I know nothing.
As soon as I found myself in the dress Elisa picked out for me, I regretted not wearing the pants. It was a beautiful dress, just like any other we packed to take with us. Dark green, more fitting for Winterfell than for Kings Landing. Elisa really has an eye for that. But, sadly, as beautiful as it is, it is very, very, very difficult to wear it. Heavens forbid I bent down to pick something up. Now, I might downgrade myself, but that would be an event the whole Westeros would talk about. I made Elisa lift it up as much as she could. At least I wound be half naked now. She insisted I wear my hair down, so I did. Like I said, she has an eye for it, and I barely know which color goes with my eyes and hair. Come to think of it, I don't know that. Gods, if I marry someday, I'm bringing Elisa. I am completely lost without here when it comes to dresses and hair. I could live without her personal guidance, but I know he has no bad intentions.
She even made me put on some perfume form Dorne that Tyrion brought to me. If she does anything else, I will think she's grooming me like a horse for sale. I'm slowly loosing myself here.
-My lady?-she said as she walked behind to me.-Lord Stark is here.-she said, and I took a deep breath.
He was waiting me at the hallway. I was once again proven that Northerners are gentlemen, no matter what Cersei said. He look right at my cleavage, and looked back to my face the next second. Now, that is also a talent. Especially while I'm wearing this dress. I like Winterfell even more and more now.
-My lady, you look very beautiful tonight.-he said and I smiled. At least he seems honest enough.
-Thank you my lord. I was under the impression you were Robb to me, and I Elena to you.-I said, and he laughed.-You look very handsome Robb.-I said, as he took my arm under his.-And now is time for the show of the evening.-I said with a sour smile, but he laughed.
-Do not be so negative Elena. I am sure everything will be just fine.-he said, and I nodded.
-I must say that it is evident you have never before dined with my family. I hope it is acceptable for me to sneak off and sit with the children, they always have better stories. Your younger sister seemed particularly interesting, I would love to get to talk to her.-I said, and he started laughing.
-Arya?-he asked, and I nodded.-Believe me, she noticed you to. I give her two days before she tells you she wants to be just like you.-he said and we both laughed. I knew it! I know a rebel when I see one.
-Well, if young Arya does say it, for the first time in my life, I will actually like hearing it.-I said, and he smiled to me. At that moment, we entered the big hall. I was prepared to the fact that a lot of people will be staring at us. I am the Queens sister, and he is the heir. It was… inevitable. I bowed to him before I sat next to Cersei. Unlike me, Robb did get to sit with the kids, and I could only think of how jealous I was of him. I'm still a child to! But no, I was here, listening to my boring sister, who barely bothered to respond to Lady Starks questions. I stepped in, to save her from the rudeness of my sister.
-You have changed very much since the last time I saw you Lady Elena.-she told me with a smile.-You were five years old and running around this hall with Robb and Theon.-she said, and I smiled. And this was exactly why I had to been told about our previous trip. I would have embarrasses myself in front of this kind woman, and I would have probably insulted her. Thank Gods for Elisa.
-I don't remember anything unfortunately. If my maid hadn't told me about it, I wouldn't even know I was in Winterfell before. I am sure I liked it here even then.-I said and Lady Stark smiled kindly.
-You did love it here. You were muddy and dirty every time you played outside.-Cersei said, and I laughed, knowing that even the memory of it annoys her.-I hear we might share a grandchild someday.-she told Lady Stark and I am sure that my jaw hit the stone floor. What in the name of Gods…
-I hear the same.-Lady Stark said, and I followed her gaze. Oh my. I guess I should have seen this one coming. If the King is really asking Lord Stark to be his Hand, I should have known that he would want to join houses. And now that poor, beautiful girl will be stuck with a prick that is Joffrey. Poor Sansa. I am sure she just sees a future king, not the real boy. Joffrey always was good with disguises.
In that moment, I noticed the king grabbing one of the servants. He will take her on the table if he isn't stopped. I needed to get away from this. I asked for permission to leave, before I found myself standing behind Robb and Arya, asking if the seat in-between the two of them was taken. Arya was the one who nodded, slightly confused. I sat down, and I filled the cup in front of me with beer. I shouldn't be drinking beer after wine. Mixing is never a good idea, but I didn't really care. I took one sip of it, and I almost threw up, right then and there.
-What in the seven hells is this?-I asked breathlessly. The whole table laughed. Language Elena.
-Dark beer.-Robb said with a smile.-Not everyone can handle it.-he added.
-Well, I can. With a fair warning.-I said and almost drank the whole cup at once. It was quite good actually.-I guess the North is growing on me.-I said making a face, and they all laughed.
-Let me introduce you.-Robb said, and introduced me with everyone at the table. Sansa was the only one who was nowhere to be seen. And also, Theon Grayjoy, their ward, was seated at this table.
-It is lovely to meet you, and thank you for your hospitality. I hope you do not regret it.-I said, and at that moment, I could see the King kissing that servant he was grabbing by the ass just moments ago. I might not be very fond of my sister, but that is not the way to act in front of your wife.
Gods, this is going to be a long, long night.
-Elena, is everything alright?-Robb asked me. I'm not sure if he's pretending, or he really didn't see.
-Nothing worth mentioning.-I said with a small smile. I already said too much.