It's been nine days since we arrived to Winterfell. The cold no longer bothered me, and people did not look at me like I was a snake in an expensive dress. We were all… used to the changes.
I was still getting along pretty well with the Starks. Especially Arya. And Jon. Just yesterday I went for a walk with the two of them. Robb declined the invitation. He said that he had things to do, but I am not that dumb. I know he was avoiding me. He obviously wasn't fooled by my reaction. I am not that good in pretending as I thought I was. But, avoiding me is entirely his choice. I too would rather live with that than with the embarrassment. And Arya and Jon were more than enough. Around the two of them, I was who I really am, no titles, no forced kindness. And they were the same way around me.
I saved Arya from the Septa today, and she was more than happy to stroll around Winterfell with me.
-Sansa told me that Joffrey kissed her.-Arya said, all of a sudden. I stopped and looked around, hoping that no one other than me heard her. Luckily, no one other than me has heard her.
-Arya, you shouldn't say that.-I told her quietly and she looked at me in complete surprise.-No, I will not tell anyone else, but if your sister has confided you with something, you shouldn't talk about it with anyone else. Not even me. But I will not tell anyone about this.-I promised. I supposed that it wouldn't be such a big deal if people knew about it, but still, it is better to keep things like that in private.
-She did not confide in me, she just hoped to make me jealous! Like I would even care about boys and stupid kissing!-she almost yelled. I know what she's going through. I've been through that. She is different than anyone else, and proud of it. But when it comes to some things, she is a proper lady.
-Well then, I will confide in you.-I said and I crouched in front of her.-I have never kissed a boy. So you are not the only one. Don't let it bother you.-I told her in a low voice and a small smile. I wasn't saying it just to make her feel better. It's the truth. I have never been kissed. And I can live with that.
-Never?-she asked. What made me laugh was that she asked that in complete surprise and shock.
-Thank you for kicking me while I'm down.-I joked and she laughed.-No, never. And I don't mind it. Because it will happen when the time is right. It's the same with you. It doesn't matter if you are 12, 15 or 20-years-old. The only important thing is who kisses you. And I am willing to wait for it. However long it takes.-I said, and I could see that she feels better now. I am getting good at this, I must notice.
-What are you two whispering about?-I heard someone ask, and I recognized the voice. It was Robb.
-That is none of your business.-Arya said to him, and it took all the strength I had not to laugh.
-Arya!-I scolded her with a small smile.-She wasn't rude Robb. You really do not want to hear our girly stories.-I said, hopping that he will give up. And if he doesn't… it's not like Arya and I both can't lie.
-You should have said it like that, and you shouldn't be rude.-he said, looking at Arya.-Septa is looking for you. Run along, Elena will be here when your class is over.-he said. He is not in a good mood. Arya looked at me with a sad smile, before heading off to find Septa. I turned to look at Robb.
-It is none of my business, but I think that you shouldn't talk to her like that.-I said, no emotion in my voice. The respect I had for this man is slowly starting to fade away. I guess he isn't wearing his mask anymore. It's one thing to act for a little while, and another to pretend to be someone you're not for ten days. I am guessing that he couldn't pretend anymore, and that this is the real him, right here.
-I am her older brother.-he said. Yes, no more pretending. His voice was as could as the weather here.
-Exactly. You are not her father. She already has one to scold and criticize her. A brother's role in a sisters life should be different than that. But like I said, it is none of my business. Have a good day.-I said, and with that, I turned around and walked away. I decided to go and find the other brother, the one that doesn't pretend. The one who looks at me and sees more than just a Lannister. The one who knows me. The one who bothered to do so. The one I considered a friend.
Jon doesn't say much, but I know his mind is working fast. He is perfectly fine with being just an observer and not a participant. And he is always free to keep me company since he doesn't have to entertain my family. As always, I found him practicing sword fighting.
-You still want to take the Black?-I asked with a small smile which he returned. I sat down on a haystack.
-My lady, if you say that again, I will think that you are interested in me in a very inappropriate way.-
-It's Elena, you ass.-I said and he laughed. As did I.-And I know I do not look at you in that way. But I bet the other girls do. I am sure there will be plenty of tears when you leave for the Wall.-I said to him.
-Yes, the girls will make me change my mind.-he laughed and I rolled my eyes.-In all seriousness Elena, why do you even bother with that?-he asked as he continued swinging his sword on the dummy.
-Because I consider you a friend and I think it's a shame for you to waste your life like that.-I admitted, without giving it a second thought. I am not ashamed of it. I really don't want him to go on The Wall and freeze to death or something even worse. I have never been there, but I have heard stories.
-A friend?-he asked ash he stopped swinging to look at me. I just nodded.-I suppose you don't have many friends then.-he said, and I laughed. I know he's joking. We wouldn't be talking like this if he wasn't my friend, and I his. Whether he likes it or not, the two of us get along quite well.
-That is true.-I admitted, and he laughed.-I can't really count my brothers as friends. That leaves me with Elisa and you. And Gendry.-I added, embarrassed that I didn't mention him at once, as a best friend.
-Gendry?-Jon asked, and I nodded.
-Yes. He is my one true friend back home. Blacksmiths apprentice. I've been friends with him since I was ten. My sister hated it, and she didn't allow me to see him anymore. Since that day, I have been sneaking outside the castle, day or night, to see him.-I said with a small smile. I hadn't seen Gendry in over a month. I miss him, I really do. And I still didn't get a single letter from him.
-And Gendry is your friend?-Jon asked and I nodded.-It seems a little bit suspicions that you would sneak out of the castle to see someone who is not and object of your desire.-he said with a small smile, and I started laughing so hard that I honestly thought that I will day of laughter.
-Gendry, an object of my desire?-I asked in disbelieve.-Oh Jon, you couldn't be more wrong. No, Gendry is a good man. And very handsome, too. Hard working, smart. But he never was and never will be an object of my desire, and he thinks the same of me. We are just friends. Gods, we could never handle each other in that way. If we were married, one of us would be dead before sundown.-I laughed.
-Do you miss him?-Jon asked and I nodded.
-I do. Gods, I do. He gives me the best advice. Always listens to me. And if all else fails, he makes me laugh. I hate being away from him, and I've been away from him for more than a month. I suppose it is a good thing you're here.-I said quietly, and Jon smiled.-I hope that you do give up on the idea to go to the Wall so that you could met Gendry someday. You would get along well.-I said, and Jon started laughing.
-You are not going to give up, are you?-he asked, and I shook my head. We started laughing, yet again.
-Jon, do you mind…-someone started, and when I turned around, I saw Robb. He stopped talking when he saw that Jon was not alone.-Am I interrupting something?-he asked, with a small, kind smile.
-No.-answered Jon, still laughing.-Elena here was trying to change my mind about going to join the Night's Watch. Yet again.-he added, and I smiled. I will not give up until the day he leaves.
-Any success?-Robb asked us both, and Jon was the one who shook his head.-We all tried Elena. He just wants to go and get killed within a week.-said Robb, looking at his brother. At least I know that I am not the only one who thinks that him going to the Wall is a stupid, terrible idea.
-Well, if the men don't succeed, it's a woman's job to try and do it instead.-I said with a small smile. Robb smiled, and Jon was let out a loud laugh.-And if someone could change a man's mind about joining the Night's Watch, it's a woman.-I said. I may not know much, but I know that.
-No matter the price?-Robb asked, very much surprised. I laughed, and I think Jon was crying now.
-Not me Robb.-I told him with a huge smile on my face.-But, if Jon here meets an appropriate girl, I'm sure he would consider his options once more. I have no doubt that that would be a lot easier if I was the right girl. Let's ask your brother, shall we. Jon? Would my body be enough for you to give up the idea of joining the Night's Watch?-I asked, an innocent smile on my face. Robb was red in the face, Jon was laughing like a mad man, and I was just smiling. I was not embraced, not at all.
-Aren't the two of you funny?-Robb asked, and I smiled at him.-I do not know why I even bother.-he said. Actually, he spat it out. I was taken aback. He obviously can't handle a joke well.
-Robb, for the love of Gods.-Jon said, with annoyance in his voice.-Maybe you could have a laugh too if you'd stop treating her like a Lannister and realize she's just a normal girl.-Jon said to his brother. Oh my. I did not see this one coming. So, that is Robb's problem with me then? I'm just a Lannister then?
-I am treating her like a Lannister because she is a Lannister.-Robb said, well, almost yelled at Jon.
-Stop it, both of you!-I said, slightly pissed off. I will not let the two of them fight over me.-You are both right. Yes, I am a Lannister.-I said, looking at Jon now.-I was born a Lannister, even if I do not act like one.-I said. I know he tends to forget that, but that is the truth. Lannister will be my name until I marry someone.-But I am also a normal girl.-I said, looking at Robb now.-And if you actually gave me a chance, you would have seen that. Look at the way I act with Jon and Arya. They do not pretend. And neither do I. If you didn't pretend, you would probably get to know me Robb. I know this isn't easy for you, and it isn't easy for me either. We all know that the Starks and the Lannisters get along only because the Baratheons are in-between. But let's just leave that to the old ones, and rise above it. Stop acting like you are the bastard, you are the lord, and I am the lady. We are all people. And in some way, we are the same. And that is the only way that matters.-I said, finishing my monologue. I did not expect to say these words, not today, not ever. But this has to stop. Why should we shy away and pretend to be something we're not, when I'm sure that we could get along pretty well, just the way we are.
-You're right.-Robb said, after a few moments of painful silence.-You are not like they are, and I should start treating you that way.-he said. Finally. Thank you Gods, he can see it now. I smiled at him.
-Then that is a problem solved. Now we only have one problem.-I announced and jumped of the haystack.-What's it going to be Jon? Are myself and my body enough for you?-I asked.
-No.-he answered with a laugh, but I took a step closer to him. He did not expect that.
-And if I was to rip my dress and say to you to take me?-I asked, trying not to laugh like a mad man. Jon blushed.-We could even get married if you care about my honor.-I said with a smile. I am enjoying this a lot more than I probably should. He was feeling uncomfortable, and I am sure Robb was too.
-No.-he said in a low voice, and I started laughing.
-Afraid that I might change your mind after all?-I asked with a sweet, innocent smile. Gods, I'm bold!
-No, I am afraid that someone might walk in on you doing what you just said, and have the three of us beheaded.-he answered. A couple moments passed, and then we were laughing, all three of us.-You are one crazy lady. Robb, you wanted something when you got here?-Jon asked, changing the subject.
-Theon. I can't find him anywhere, and I am afraid he's with Ros again.-Robb said, and Jon nodded.
-Of course it's Ros. And you can't go to a whore house. I'll get him.-Jon said, and I started laughing.
-Well, you Northerners really are charming. First name basis with whores?-I asked, still laughing.
-I'll be back.-Jon said, and he left, leaving the two of us alone. Robb smiling and I still laughing. And moments later, we were walking out outside, in a slightly uncomfortable silence.
-You wouldn't actually do that to stop Jon, would you?-he asked suddenly, and I smiled.
-Of course not. I don't know if I would do that even to stop my husband. You and I may not agree with Jon, but he is a grown man. And he makes his own decisions. The only thing we can do is hope that those same decisions don't get him killed.-I said. Well, I sure know how to change the atmosphere.-And we can also do the best we can to make him blush.-I added, and Robb laughed.
-That you did very well, even I blushed.-he said, and I smiled.-Now that we are speaking of it, I am sure that the King would help you if you have a desire to marry Jon. Even if he's a Snow.-he added.
-What in the name of Gods made you think that I want to marry Jon?-I asked, surprised. When he didn't have an answer for me, I laughed it off.-I should chose my words a lot wisely I see. Whenever I talk to a man I consider a friend, people seem to think I want to marry him. And here I just wanted someone to talk to.-I said. I just want a friend. It's not my fault that two of my closest ones are men. I am going to be misunderstood for the rest of my life. What did I do to deserve this?
-Well, you have Jon and me while you're here.-Robb suggested with a smile, and I nodded. Finally, I may get to see the real person behind that masked. Very handsome mask, but still, a mask.
-Thank you Robb. It means a lot.-I said, and I noticed Theon and Jon approaching us. Jon laughing, and Theon incredibly grumpy.-Already?-I asked in surprise, and Robb started laughing at his friends. At that moment I noticed that Tyrion was walking behind Jon.-I see that he had taken another man from the ladies.-I said in a low voice, and I could see that Robb was hiding a smile. It would have been rude for him to laugh at my brother. But I could still do so. As Robb mad his way to Jon and Theon, I made my way to Tyrion.-I don't mean to bother you my dear brother, but I must say that I think you should take it easy on the drinking.-I told him. It is very clear that he had a hangover. And it is almost sundown.
-Elena, you would dare and take away my medicine from me?-he asked, and I could only laugh. I cannot make him do things he doesn't want to do.-Which one of them do you like?-he asked, and I raised my brows, not having an idea what is he talking about.-Grayjoy, the bastard, or the Stark?-he asked.
-I have had my doubts for years, but now I can see that you really are completely mad.-I said.
-Oh, come on.-he said with a wicked grin on his face.-They are handsome men, it is understandable. And it's not like anyone of them would refuse a night in your bed.-he said, and I could just roll my eyes.
-If that was the truth, they would have done something already. They are not some beast brother. Perhaps maybe Theon. But I do not see that as a compliment. He would jump on anything.-I added.
-Anything with a cunt and breasts that is.-Tyrion corrected me. Language Tyrion, for the love of Gods!
-Takes one to know one I suppose.-I said in a low voice. I swear to the Gods, I don't think that I ever saw Tyrion laughing as much as he did now.
-Gods, you will never know how much I love you, my dear baby sister.-he said, and I smiled.-Now, let's go to my chambers for a glass of wine. I believe you know the way to them much better than I do, since you look so comfortable here in Winterfell.-he said with a grin.
-Well, yes, it's either that or the fact that you are drunk all the time and can't remember the way.-I said, and he laughed even more. I did lead the way eventually, ignoring him teasing me about the boys I seemed to spend much time with. I'm used to that, I grew up with that.
I had other things on my mind. It hurt me to see Tyrion like this, it really did. He is a grown man and I try not to patronize him, so I keep my mouth shut. It still hurts me. He has a kind hart. He should be much happier than he is, but sadly, I can't help him at all.
Ok, so this was chapter seven. I will probably update tomorrow or like, in 15 hours, or something like that? :D I hope you enjoyed the story so far. Say if you have something to say and ask if you have an question :)