Ok, this is chapter 4. So far so good if I dare say :) Again, I apologize for the mistakes, English is not my first language, and I sometimes don't see the mistakes until the chapter is already published. And I might refer to Elena as Eleana by accident, because when I first got the idea, she was named Eleana. I decided to change my mind, because I read a RobbxOC fanfiction, and a very similar name to Eleana was used. I don't want to take any chances. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it. Please, tell me what you think about the story. And if I didn't mention it before, I don't own anything from the GoT universe; it all belongs to the amazing George R. R. Martin. My only creation is Elena.
How bad can this be? The King is drunk, but that is not exactly something I've never seen before. Still, I think he should not behave like that, not here. We are guests. He might be the King, but even he should show respect to the family that let us stay in their home. I started looking around, searching for Tyrion. I know he has his priorities, but I was sure that he will show up. Apparently, I was wrong. I am sure that the Northern whores are quite… charming. Still looking around, I caught Jaime's eye. I knew it. I knew that he will watch my every move. Would it kill him to have a little fun? I do not need protection here.
I decided to start a conversation with someone. Robb and Theon Greyjoy were already talking, and I did not want to impose. Rickon and Brandon were playing together, and the only one left for me to talk to was Arya. Well, it's not like I didn't planed on doing that before.
-Where is your helmet?-I asked her with a smile. I could never look down on a child. To me, they are smarter and braver than any of us adults. Even if I don't exactly count as an adult just yet.
-It would be and insult to the King and his family.-she said. I'm not surprised. She is rehearsed as well.
-Maybe it would.-I said, and I smiled.-But I doubt anyone would hold that against you. I am sure that you and I can practice something tomorrow if you'd like. Archery perhaps?-I asked and I smiled as I could see her face just light up with excitement. Robb Stark was right. Arya did notice that I am not like the rest of them. It wasn't exactly difficult to notice, considering the way I entered Winterfell.
-You do not have to do that Elena.-Robb said quietly, so that Arya couldn't hear him. I turned to him and I smiled. It's time for them to realize they do not need to act like that around me.
-It would be my pleasure.-I said. He looked at me in a questioning way, and I nodded. I would be honored to spend time with little Arya. She seems like she needs someone like her around. From what I could see so far, she and Sansa do not exactly see eye to eye. Sansa is a Lady, probably even born to be a princess, a Queen. And Arya… she is everything but that. Just like me. As I was about to ask her if she had some practice in archery before, a loud laugh caught my attention. Again, it was the King. And he was still grabbing the servant, laughing and spilling wine all over his face and clothing. I just… I can't look at it any more.-I need some fresh air. If you excuse me.-I said and got up from my chair. I wanted to escape without anyone noticing, but that was not easy. Both Robb and Theon knew the rules of sitting with a Lady, and they were up on their feet as soon as I was. I nodded to them, not wanting to be rude, and I made my way through the crown. As soon as I was walking away, I realized that I have no idea how to get outside. I suppose I should just find a door, and hope it leads me outside. On the other hand, I was right about my brother. Jaime appeared before me.
-Where do you think you're going?-he asked me. Elena, he is only worried about you. Try and relax.
-To get some fresh air. You don't need to follow me around like some lost puppy Jaime. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and I am sure you have better things to do than to follow me around.-I said. He did not get insulted, he know how irritated I can be when it comes to my freedom to walk around without being followed. Instead of arguing with me, he let me go. I opened the door in front of me, thankful that I did in fact find the door that leads outside the castle. As soon as I stepped out, I wasn't sure that was a good idea. It was beyond cold. I'm just not used to this weather.
The dresses I usually wear are a lot thinner, but that does not make this one appropriate. I wasn't feeling well any longer. Afraid that I might lose my balance and fall, I leaned myself back on the castle walls. I'm feeling sick to my stomach and I cannot decide if it is because I drank both beer and wine, or because I was embarrassed with my family's behavior. Why must our every visit end like this? Can't we just have one normal night, without whores, drunks, arguing, not trying to hide or resentment? Why can't we have just one normal night? Not for the sake of us, but for the sake of the Starks. King Robert and Lords Stark may be like brothers, but no matter how well they know each other, there was no preparation for what is yet to come. That is the saddest part. This is only just the beginning. The first night out of many.
The King and Tyrion, lost among the whores. Cersei and Jaime, playing their roles. And what about me? I am lost somewhere in-between, trying so hard to show to everyone that I am not like these people, that I am not what they all expect me to be. I wonder if I should even bother. I might show one thousand times that I am not like the rest of the Lannisters, and people still might see me like one.
As soon as I thought that I should probably get back to the hall, something grabbed my attention. I moved to my left, and I could see a boy, well, a man, swinging his sword at a dummy, with all his strength. I tried to see him better, but the dark was… well, to dark. The only thing I could see was that he was tall enough and that he had dark hair. My curiosity got the best of me. I slowly walked down the stairs and over to him, holding my arms tight to my body, hoping to save at least some of my body heat.
-What did that thing ever do to you?-I asked. Sometimes I really am to bold for my good. And yet, I said that with a smile. He turned around, slightly irritated, than changed his expression. He didn't expect me.
-Forgive me my Lady.-he said coldly and he bowed his head. Now that I was close enough to see him as more than just a dark shadow, I realized that I recognized him. He was standing behind the Stark family, as we were greeted upon our arrival to Winterfell. I knew he wasn't just some stranger.
-Elena, please.-I said, and he nodded. Is he a ward? If he is, than he and Theon should be in the same position. Why is Theon with the family and this man isn't? Come to think of it, I was told that Theon was practically a hostage of the Stark family. It did not seem like he was to be honest. And when I see that this man is treated even worse, I can only wonder what he did.-You know my name, Northerner soldier. I do not know yours. I got me at a disadvantage.-I said. I was sure of myself now. It is obvious by his built and the way he handles a sword that he is either a soldier, or about to become one.
-I am Jon Snow my Lady.-he said, and bowed his head, yet again. Snow? Oh, now I see it. He must be Ned Stark's illegitimate son that my sister was talking about on our way here. She was belittling the Stark family so much with it that I almost commented that I am sure that King Robert has more than enough bastard children, scattered all over Westeros. I have never heard of it, but only because it was never allowed to speak of it. I am sure that many whores raised their bastard, Baratheon sons.
-You are Lord Starks son?-I asked, and he nodded.-Why aren't you inside with the rest of us?-
-Lady Stark thought it might be an insult to the royal family, to have a bastard seated among them.-he said, and I frowned. I am not sure I have such a lovely opinion on Lady Stark any more now.
-That is nonsense.-I said, and he looked at me, very much surprised.-In what way is it a bastards fault that he is who he is? If somebody is to be blamed, that should be the mother and the father.-I said. I will never be able to understand why children always pay for their parent's mistakes. I've seen that more times that I could count, and yet, it never ceases to amaze me.
-Would you say the same if your husband brought a bastard child to you, expecting you to be a caring mother to him?-he asked, and I could just sense the bitterness in his voice.
-I am not married, but if I was, yes, I would say the same.-I said, and he was surprised by it.-I don't think that I would ever be able to forgive the husband. But the child, I would love like it was my own.-I said.
-It is true what they say about you Elena Lannister. You are a very odd lady.-he said, and I was laughing.
-It that is what they say… I should probably get inside. The North might be breathtaking, but I am still not used to some aspects of it. I will see you around Jon Snow.-I said, with a small smile, and I walked away before he could say anything more to me. I almost ran into the castle.
Now, this is better. Not that cold. But, I was still not ready to face my family and our hosts. And my mind was still very much preoccupied with Jon Snow. I do not know what it is, but there is something very intriguing about that man. I might even say fascinating. Unlike everything I saw in Winterfell, unlike everyone I met here, he stood out. Robb Stark was well rehearsed, the pride of his family, eldest son, the perfect husband to some little lady. And Jon Snow was the bastard, the one who doesn't say too much, but you can still see that he does think about it, the shame of the family. I grew up, surrounded by Lords and Ladies, and that is not something that I can be interested in, not much. On the other hand, I tend to attach myself to my bastard friends, often forgetting that we live very different lives.
Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that I will think about Jon Snow a lot while I'm here, maybe even when I leave. It's a shame. I already know I won't be able to swoon over him. He is very handsome and good looking, that is a fact. But, if I had liked boys with his complexion and hair color, I would have washed Gendry up, polished him, and made him into a Lord. And he would pretty much be another Jon Snow. I definitely did not like that, but I also didn't know what in the name of Gods I do like!
Gods, that is my problem. I pay too much attention to details. If I don't grow up soon enough, I might end up with Loras Tyrell! And we all know I am not what he finds fitting. Sneaking around the castles at night might allow me to see Gendry, but it also allows me to see some things I never should have seen. Than the Gods Varys knows that I'm not one of his little birdies. If he only knew the things I know…
No, Elena, not now. I will not think about unpleasant things. Not tonight. I will try and have some fun.
I looked for Tyrion, but I wasn't surprised when I didn't see him. Jaime was talking to Lord Stark, so now I had two choices. To sit with my sister and Lady Stark, or to sit with the Stark children. It took me two seconds to decide, and I walked over to sit between Arya and Robb.
Arya had a lot of questions for me, and Robb was the strict big brother who was trying to save me from her. Until I explained that I do not need saving, and that I actually enjoy my conversations with her. And not only her. As I was beginning to relax a little bit, I finally got a chance to speak to Sansa. She also had a lot of questions for me, mostly about the life in Kings Landing. Even if the topics Arya talked about were much more interesting to me, I answered to Sansa's questions with an smile on my face. After all, she is a child, and she does think that life with ball gowns and crowns and princes is interesting. The more I talked to her, the more I felt sorry for the poor girl. I could clearly see that she had no idea what she was getting herself into. And Joffrey, well, he looked at her like she was a brand new toy. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I have a feeling than in no time, he would get bored, and she will be an old toy that he no longer wishes to play with. Gods, how I hate that boy.
I decided to call it a night. I was getting tired and sleepy, and if the rest of our days here are going to be just like this one, I will need my rest. I was just about to wish everyone a good night when Arya decided to start a food fight. Well, no one will fight back, but she just threw her food at Sansa, hitting her in the face. I tried not to laugh, but as soon as everyone except Sansa was laughing, I joined in. I saw Lady Stark giving Robb a look, and he got up to take his sister to her room. I also got up.-I'll go with you.-I said, and he nodded. As soon as we were in the hallway, Arya was complaining, and Robb was scolding her.
-It was just a little food.-she said. I took a deep breath and kneeled so that we could be the same height.
-Not for a Lady.-I said, and she looked at me.-Arya, no one should be stopping you from wanting to be what you want to be. And that should go both ways. You should respect your sister's choices. Sansa is different to you. And even though it was just a little food and even though it was funny, you shouldn't do that again. She is your sister. Your bond should be stronger than anything else. And now, young Arya, goodnight. Tomorrow, you and I will have a great time.-I said with a smile, and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled, went to kiss her brother, and got into her room. Robb offered me a hand, and I took it. One more brilliant move from me today, kneeling in front of a Lord. I'm horrible at this.
-You are good with her. And with children, in general.-he said as we were walking over to my chambers.
-I have to be, I practically grew up with Myrcella and Tommen. I love them with all my heart. And your sister reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age. Maybe even too much.-I added and smiled.
-And you and your sister are as different as Arya and Sansa are.-he said. I shouldn't be surprised that he noticed. I do not choose my words carefully when it comes to talking about my sister. And she has no control of her facial expressions when she even looks at me, let alone talks to me. It is obvious to anyone who cares to notice, that she and I do not get along. Never did, never will.
-That is almost certain. But I would dare say that Sansa has a lot bigger hart than my sister does.-I said to him. Thank Gods, we were in near my chambers. As soon as I reached the door, I almost cried out of joy. I will no longer have the chance to confess anything else that I already didn't confess.-Again, thank you so much for your hospitality Robb. I honestly hope that my behavior and the behavior of my family didn't cause you much trouble.-I said quietly. It was mortifying, and I'm not even the one in my family who is that interested in keeping an appearance. That is just not the way you act when you are staying at somebody's home, especially if they are nice to you, and so far, the Starks couldn't be any nicer.
-It is nothing we can't handle.-he said, and I smiled. I was very glad to hear that he wasn't pretending. I think I would actually be insulted if he said that he has no idea what I am talking about. In this way, he was telling me that he does know, but he doesn't pay much attention. I wish that was the case with the rest of Winterfell too.-And I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Winterfell. Goodnight Elena.-he said, and he offered his hand. I offered mine, so he kissed it. He really is the perfect gentleman.
-Goodnight Robb.-I said as I walked into my chambers. I closed the door behind me, and took a deep breath. I started unlacing my dress. That man has no idea. He doesn't realize that this is only just the beginning. I can only hope that we, both the Lannisters and the Baratheons, will be able to control ourselves, and not make this people miserable in our presence. I do wish to be welcome to come to Winterfell in a couple of years' time, I do not want to burn the bridges.