Thank you guys for reading so far! And don't give up on me yet. I hope you enjoyed 'till now and that you will enjoy the rest. You know the drill, follow, review, ask if there is anything you'd like to know… Here's chapter 5. :)
I was woken by the sound of Elisa moving around the chambers. This is not just a regular day at Kings Landing, where I can stay in my chambers for as long as I like, enjoying the peace and the quiet, not having the need or obligation to parade myself around. Now, we must impress North at least with our looks, if not with anything else. I suppose that there is a good side of King Robert marrying my sister; He is not the one to draw young lady's eyes. But I have heard tales that he was very handsome once.
Elisa picked out a dress for me, yet again. Dark blue, almost even black. It was evident that I looked like I was more of a Baratheon, even Stark, and not a Lannister. I guess that was always evident, considering the lack of golden hair. Probably wanting me to fit into North, Elisa also braided my hair. I did look very… different. Good different. Definitely not something I was used to.
I was ready to go and look for Arya straight away, but Elisa informed me that my family is expecting me to join them for breakfast. How convenient. We never do things like that, but no, we were pretending like we were one big, happy family. I didn't complain. I was just unbelievably quiet for the most part.
-Goods, the cold is unbearable.-Cersei complained as she pulled her fur even closer. Be quiet Elena.
-Elena, it seems like you're the only one who likes it here.-Jaime noticed and I smiled back to him.
-Yes, I do. There is some sort of… charm. I'm not sure how to describe it. The wilderness of this place is indescribable. I'm getting use to the cold. And I really do like it here.-I confirmed with a small smile.
-If you like it that much, I'm sure you could stay.-Cersie announced with a small smile. An innocent bystander would think that she was only worried about her younger sister, that she wants me to be happy, and if that means for me to stay here in the North, then so be it! I did not believe the act, I know her all too well. She was being… a bitch. I doubt she realizes that I can also be a bitch if I want to.
-Well, Cersei, if you continue being so irresistibly charming, I might take you up on that offer.-I replied with a smile. I might hate being like here, but that doesn't mean that I can't be like her. I think I am allowed to enjoy seeing her looking at me while hatred is completely taking over her.
-Now, you two.-Jaime said and in that moment, Cersei and I both looked at him.-I'm giving up.-he announced. One of the rare things that Cersei and I have in common. Fierceness. Luckily for all of us, and our hosts, Tyrion decided to show up, just in time to stop a family argument.
-Look who decided to show up.-I teased him, and he smiled. I bent down so that he could kiss me on the cheek before he took a seat next to me. Poor Tyrion. It is obvious that he did not get much rest last night. Although, that doesn't make him poor but very, very happy. He told me once, he could never have too much wine or ladies. And if that is what he wants, than he should have it. Our lives will end before we know it. The least we can do is try to enjoy some part of it.
-Little brother, I have a feeling that I should warn you.-Cersei said using her sweet voice. Jaime and I both knew what was going to happen. Unlike him, I was ready to stand up for my brother.-The way you've been behaving since we arrived is not helping us maintain a good relationship with the people of North.-she declared, determined and proud. What in the seven hells is she talking about? His behavior? Good relationship?! Yes, I am sure people of North give a damn where Tyrion puts it every night!
-His behavior?-I asked. I know I should have kept my mouth shut, but I couldn't, and I didn't want to.-If they are bothered at all, it is because the way you act. Believe me, it is more than enough to ruin the good relationship between us and the North. And one more thing Cersei.-I said while I was getting up from my seat.-You should stop raising yourself, high up in the heavens. You might be the Queen, but right now, wherever you go, people look at you with ridicule, not respect.-I basically spat at her, and I was already walking out the hall before she could think of a reply. I have a horrible feeling that I will pay for this. But that is only if she can find me, and Cersei never was the one to wander around. And even if I was an expert when it comes to sneaking around castles, I must admit, Winterfell is very confusing.
As I tried to navigate through the corridors and remember which way is the way out, I realized that I have no idea what am I supposed to do now. The plan was for Arya to join me after her classes with Septa. I don't want to wait for her in my chambers, who knows when will she be ready. I will go outside, hoping that I find a distraction. I didn't want to change the everyday dynamics of the Stark family. I know that they have to entertain The King at any given moment, but they do not have to do the same for me. I am sure that they have their work to do, and I do not want to distract them.
I would be perfectly happy with just Arya and Brandon, maybe even Rickon, the four of us running and playing. In fact, I might actually ask for that. That way I could watch the youngest children, and maybe even help the Starks a little bit. I know they wouldn't admit it, but help would be more than welcome.
I decided to look around for Lady Stark, hoping that she would agree with my plan. Now the only problem is my poor sense of navigation. It's damaged in Winterfell, usually it is more than fine. And that reminds me, I should write my letter to Gendry. I wonder if Elisa forgot about it, or didn't remind me on purpose. Oh, finally, a door! Yes, I'm outside! Now I just have to realize where I am and where I am supposed to go. But who should I ask? I have no problem when it comes to talking with normal folk, as long as a person is interesting, it can be a wolf with a dragons head. But people tend to get… scared if I approach them. Lannister reputation moves faster than my own. The only reason why I hadn't already asked someone for help is because this is my second day here. People are still not used to me, and I will not force any interaction until they know that I wouldn't cry and ask for the king to behead them if they say something slightly rude to be said in a lady's presence or something like that. I shall find my own way. Or I shall hope to Gods I happen to run into Robb on my way there.
-Pst!-I heard as soon as I took my first step. I know that noise. I use that noise. I turned around, but could not see anything. I took another step.-Pst!-someone hissed, and I try my luck. I looked up, and I was right. Arya was lying on the strong wooden planks below the roof of the terrace. And she scared the life out of me! Still, I was laughing. She is very good at hiding, I'll give her that.
-What are you doing there?-I asked her, smiling, but a little scolding could be heard in my voice.
-I am hiding from Septa.-she answered, and I laughed. When I ran away from my Septa, I never bothered staying near the castle.-And you promised me that we will train together.-she reminded me.
-I did. Come on, get down from there. I'm going to stick to my word.-I announced with a big smile.
-And what will I do if Septa catch us? She will make me go to the sewing class after all. Sansa is the one who likes that. I hate it.-she said. Oh Gods, this child is to wild for her own good.
-If Septa catches us, I will tell her that I needed your company. Now get down before anyone else sees you.-I said and I stood under her, to catch her if she falls.-If we get caught, I will at least have some us from my name.-I murmured, so that Arya couldn't really hear me. Septa might complain, but she will not make a scene, not if I'm the reason Arya ran away.-There you go.-I said when I grabed her by her waist. For a few moments, I was carrying her like a small child, but I let her run on her own very soon. The girl doesn't like to be controlled, and I do not want people to think that I am pretending to be an overly caring Lannister. Both Arya and I are just as fine as we are now.
-I'll take you to the place where we practice.-Arya said, with a wicked but harmless grin on her face.-Let's just hope we won't get caught.-she giggled, grabbed my hand and started running. Before I could realize what was going on, she pulled me away with her. I was laughing as I was running. We passed Jaime as we were running, and he looked at me like I was just… crazy. I just waved to him, and continued running. Compared to them, I am crazy. And it's been long since the last time I was bothered by that.
-So, this is where you practice?-I asked her when she finally stopped running. We were in the back part of the castle. It seemed pretty hidden, but I am sure that it won't take long for her family to find her, or us, if they want to. I doubt they think that she will be picking wild flowers from a nearby field.
-Yes. Mostly alone, but I practice with my brothers if my mother allows me.-she answered. The only reason why I was allowed to practice archery and sword fighting was because Cersei didn't care too much to complain. And, both my brothers and the King wanted to keep me happy, or at least, satisfied.
-Well, let me see are you any good?-I asked, and she nodded proudly, like she already knew she was. And she really, really was. She hit the center of the target, and I'm not sure if she even tried.-Good job!-I said, knowing that I probably sound like a proud older sister. I didn't regret that though, as soon as she smiled to me, like I am here older sister.-Do you mind if I try?-I asked, and she handed me the bow and arrow. They felt strange.-Gods, it's been a while.-I admitted, and Arya nodded her head, like she has to reassure me. And she did. There is no embarrassment in needing practice, and definitely not if someone is better than you are. So I aimed. And as soon as I did, I could clearly remember the voice of Jon Arryn in my head. Telling me to relax my bow arm. And not to hold my breath. So I did as he taught me, all those years ago. And my arrow hit the edge of the center. I smiled, but Arya, she was celebrating.
-You really didn't forget? When was the last time you used one?-she asked, and I tried to remember.
-I think it was about two years ago. I just wasn't interested in it as much as I was when I started. For the last two years I've spend more time reading and talking to Gendry.-I admitted, and I saw the questioning look on her face.-Blacksmiths apprentice. My friend.-I said with a smile.
-Do you think that I will ever stop being interested in this?-she asked, and I shook my head.
-I could never tell, and neither could you. You might. You might find something more interesting to do, or you just might wake up someday and not like it anymore. But, as you can see, it is not that easy to be bad at it once you were good at it.-I said. I did not want her to get her hopes up, because she could end up being quite broken if things don't end up the way she wants them to. And on the other hand, who wishes to kill a child's dream? What does she have if she doesn't have hope? I remember when Jaime told me that I will never be a knight. It broke me, and I was just seven at the time. A small part of me will never really recover. Only when we're children do we get the chance to be what we truly are, to be ourselves. As soon as we start growing up and learning, that freedom is ruined for good.-Come on, we still have more time. You practice, I'll watch.-I suggested and she was already getting ready. I used a hay stack as a chair, and I watched her aim and fire, with a surprising perfection for a girl her age. I think she may be better than me when I was 12. As she should be. The younger ones should always be better.
She didn't get to fire five arrows. I knew we were going to get caught. I just knew it.
-Arya Stark!-we both heard a yell, and we jumped. Thank the Gods, it is only Robb. If we were caught by Lord or Lady Stark, I don't know if I would have been able to even try to save us. You cannot try and reason with someone when you know that they are right, and you are not. At least now I will be looking at Robb. He may be an authority figure here, but he is still my age. I do not find him that intimidating. Oh, but apparently Arya does. She wasted no time, hiding behind me. She threw me to the wolves! And now, Robb was walking towards us, smiling because he can see that I am Arya's human armor.
-Arya, please, tell me why did you run away from Septa this morning?-he asked, looking somewhere behind me because he couldn't see her.-Good morning Elena.-he added with a smile, which I returned.
-Good morning Robb.-I blurted out, trying to understand what can I do now.-It is entirely my fault, I am the one who took Arya away from Septa and her classes. And I do apologise.-I added, with the best smile I could master at this moment. A smile that means I'm guilty, but please forget that.-I was looking for company, and Arya was the only person I could find. I didn't think that missing one class could turn out to be such a problem. And again, I apologize, I'll even apologize to Lord and Lady Stark.-I said. Robb is no idiot. He knows that I am doing this to save Arya from being scolded, or even punished. The only question is whether or not he will play along. He smiled.
-There is no need to do that.-he said with a small smile, and Arya finally decided that it was safe to face her brother.-If you want to spend time with Elena, you must let Septa know the next time. Now go and feed Nymeria.-he said to his sister, and she nodded. She waved at me before she ran away from us.
-I will inform Septa myself the next time I am in need of your sister's company.-I said to Robb.
-One day here and she already has you lying for her?-he asked, his eyebrows raised, and I laughed.
-What can I say? The girl found my week spot.-I admitted, not even thinking of denying it.-And she is far better company than my family.-I added, bitterly.
-If you do need company, please tell. Your family is our priority. And I wouldn't mind being away from my daily obligations. Neither would my mother I hope.-he said, and I laughed.
-Elena Lannister, the savior of the Stark children.-I announced, and he laughed.-If that is the case, I will be happy to help. I am a child myself, I know what that feels like.-
-How come you don't spend time with your nephew, you are close in age?-he asked. I couldn't contain my laughter. And here I thought that he was smart.
-That idiot?-I asked, and I could see that he wasn't that surprised. Maybe he did see that I am not that fond of Joffrey.-I would rather walk on burning coal barefoot than spend time with him willingly.-I said. This time, I did not try to keep my mouth shut. It may not be smart from me to talk about Joffrey like this, but I believe that Robb Stark won't run away and betray me. I feel that this will remain between us.
-Some things never do change.-he laughed. I could only frown.-Mother told me that you do not remember your last stay in Winterfell. I do. I am a little bit older than you are. I have plenty of fun memories from that time.-he admitted, and I rolled my eyes.
-Well, are you going to tell me, or should I just guess?-I asked slightly annoyed, and he laughed.
-We were playing around. You, Jon, Theon and myself. Sansa was too young at the time. And your nephew was still too young to be with us at all times. But when he was, he was the most annoying child you could even imagine.-he remembered, and I was already laughing. I might not remember my stay in Winterfell, but I do remember Joffrey.-You were annoyed by him. And you wanted to throw a snowball at him. But since you haven't seen snow before, you could barely make on, let alone throw one. So you asked me if I would have the honor.-he said, and my mouth dropped.
-No?-I asked, and he nodded. I started laughing.-Please, tell me you did it.-I begged, and he smiled.
-I did.-he admitted. Ah, Robb Stark, my hero.-Sadly, Joffrey started crying and your sister asked him what happened. He pointed his finger at me. Before she could say anything, you stepped in front of me and said that it was entirely your fault, and that I just helped. You were ready to take the punishment and save me from it.-he said. Gods, I was a good friend. Standing up for my friends, even then.
-Did it work?-I asked with a smile.
-Gods, no. We were both punished.-Robb said with a smile. I can't remember the last time I was laughing as much as I am now. My childhood was precious apparently, and I wasn't aware of it.
-Thank you, Robb Stark.-I said when I finally stopped laughing.-You made a little girl very happy that day.-
-Believe me, it was my pleasure. Your nephew really is an idiot.-he laughed, and I just nodded.
-Imagine living with him. Do you think that we should… repeat what we did then, if snow falls during our stay?-I asked, and Robb grinned.
-Definitely. But he is a little bit older now, we might have to plan the attack better.-he said.
-If snow falls, we will. Gods, I wish I remember all those things. It sounds like I had fun.-I said.
-And you did. We were playing every day, running around. Mother and Septa had to clean us up a little bit in the stables, so that your sister couldn't see how dirty we actually got.-he said.
-It's such a shame I don't remember.-I said quietly, and then I took a deep breath.-I guess that is life. I should be going now; I already abducted one of your sisters. I don't want to abduct you too.-I said.
-Of course. If you allow me, I will escort you.-he said, offering me his arm.
-That would be amazing. I would probably get lost if it wasn't for you.-I admitted. I put my hand on his arm and let him lead the way.