A loud noise made me jump up. My vision was still cloudy. Elisa. She was apologizing, she must have dropped something. It took me a little time to remember where I was. Oh, yes. How could I forget? I am in King's Landing, and today, I will leave, and I don't know if I will ever come back. That makes me feel slightly content. But not when I think about where I'm actually going. Winterfell. To Robb Stark.
-Elisa, breathe.-I said, hoping to calm her down, since she was still apologizing.-You are not just some maiden, and you know it. You are a friend, and quite frankly, I would lose my mind without you. You can stop apologizing.-I said, and she smiled. It is even better that she woke me up. I have no time to lose.
-I should get you ready my lady.-she said, and I nodded.-You are all packed up, and so is the Stark family. As soon as you say that we leave, we can leave.-she said with a smile. Dear Gods, this girl is efficient!
-I need to go and talk to Gendry first.-I said, more to myself. And yet, Elisa looked at me with a questioning look.-It is a very long story, but he is going with us to Winterfell. And we do have to wait for Lord Stark to… do what he has to do.-I said, not wanting to say out loud that he needs to lie in order to keep his head on his shoulders. I am not sure if Elisa knows what did he accuse my sister of, but I do know that she knows that whatever he said, he was saying the truth. When the time is right, I will tell her myself. I would trust her with that information. I just do not want to do it yet. I'm not ready.
-If you have other things to do, I can go and talk to your friend.-she suggested. That would save me a lot of trouble. But I do think that it has to be me who talks to Gendry, even if I won't be telling him straight away that he is the King's bastard son. I can't afford to tell him the truth before we leave. It might not be fair, but I am afraid that he would want to stay. And if he does, his life's in danger. He has to go with us.
-Thank you Elisa, but I have to do it.-I said, and she nodded.-Just get my bath ready and pick me out a dress and I will do the rest.-I said, and she looked at me with her signature smile.-Alright, you will do my hair too.-I agreed, knowing exactly what she was thinking of. I need to look representable today, maybe even more than ever. Beneath all that chaos, I am still leaving my family today, to go and join a new one.
-I'll prepare the bath.-she said, and I nodded. I know what she wants to talk about. She wanted to talk about that ever since she found out. The only reason she didn't ask me already about my marriage deal is because the most important thing was to save Lord Stark. And now that I've done that, she can ask what she needs to know. I don't have to answer. I could just be a proper lady and tell her that it is none of her business. I wish I could do it. But I know I can't.-How do you feel about the marriage arrangement my lady?-she asked, and I smiled. I knew it. I walked over to her, since she was preparing my bath.
-How can I feel Elisa?-I asked, and looked over to her. She had a small smile on her face.-I am to marry a man I do not love. I should just be happy that I actually met him before the wedding ceremony. Many do not have a chance to have that luxury.-I said. As scared as I am, I know I will not spend my days with some random savage. Of course, I barely know Robb, and he will undoubtedly change in years to come, but at least he won't be a stranger when I stand next to him. I hope, I hope with all my heart.
-My lady, I must say, Robb Stark is a very handsome man.-she said. I wish I could focus on that. It would be a lot easier. But no, I must think about the fact that I will spend the rest of my life right by his side.
-Elisa, I beg of you, call me Elena. I have been telling you to call me that for more than 10 years now, it is time you finally listen. The Lady thing is incredibly annoying.-I said, and she laughed.-And regarding Robb Stark's good looks… Yes, he is handsome, but all I can think of is… Is that all there is?-I asked.
-No, it's not. But I suppose it will be very important when you give birth to his children.-she said, and I looked at her in complete shock. She started laughing. Oh, she could tease me, but she can't call me by my name! She has a strange understanding of duty.-Elena, I am only saying it to make you feel better. And, in all honesty, your husband is very handsome. He also seemed like a kind man. And I know you got along well with him. So please, do not be worried. The more you think of it, the worse it will seem to you, and by the time you're face to face with him, you will be afraid and scared and all without a good reason.-she said in a low voice. I am not surprised, since I knew she was very smart. I am only impressed.
I wish she got a chance to live her life, to have a family, and not follow me around. I felt bad that she ended up with me in a way, but she always says that she prefers it this way. I suppose she really does.
-You are right for the most part. I am afraid. The problem is, I am not yet afraid of the life I will live. I am afraid he will say No, and I am afraid of the consequences that will happen. And if he says Yes, I am afraid that he will detest me before I even get a chance to… win him over I suppose.-I said. This is not the time to be scared of changing my surroundings and my unborn children. The only thing I am afraid of is that he will hate me, and that that will eventually lead to me, hating him. I don't want that. I don't.
-Elena, you are forgetting one important thing.-she said, a kind smile on her face.-You are easy to love. You are nice, kind, smart, and when you are not worried, you have a beautiful smile on your face. I cannot say when that will happen, but I can assure you, you will win him over.-she said.
-I hope you are right. The rest of my life depends on it.-I said, with a nervous laughter. Gods, I have no idea what will happen. The only thing I can do is hope for the best. And I do not like hoping. I prefer to have a say, be in control. Sadly, in this situation, I can have none of those things. I can only hope.
-Here. Your bath is ready.-she said with a smile.
I was washed, dressed in a blue dress, and my hair was in a braid. As soon as I was ready, I went to find Gendry. He listened to me, without asking any questions. I gave him some money, and I told him to wait for me just outside of King's Landing. I promised I will explain everything as soon as we are away from here, and he agreed to everything. That is a true friend. He is ready to leave everything because I asked him to do so. And I'm glad he does, because soon enough, he will find out the truth. And I need him safe. I need him far away from here as possible. And also, I am slightly selfish. I want him close to me.
I was lucky enough not to run into anyone of my family members as I returned to the castle. I never thought that the day will come when Joffrey won't be my least favorite, but it has. I need to see Tommen and Myrcella before I leave. I might be disgusted by their parents, but they have nothing to do with it. They are still my family.
I went to see Sansa and Arya. Lord Stark was with them, and he informed me that he already bowed to Joffrey, and that they are ready to go as soon as I am. I asked them for a little time to say goodbye.
I wasn't sure what I was saying goodbye to. King's Landing? I will miss the sun, and the sand, but I will learn to live without them. Gendry and Elisa are going with me, so I will not miss them. I have nothing left here. Not anymore. Only Tyrion, and I cannot seem to find him anywhere.
I entered Myrcella's chambers, only to find that Tommen was there, and so was Cersei. The children ran towards me and started hugging me, but I could only focus on my sister. She had a small smile on her.
-May I speak to them?-I asked her, and she nodded. I was hoping that she would leave us, but I could see why she didn't. She was probably afraid what I might say to them. I would never do that.-I'm here to say goodbye. I'm leaving soon.-I said, and my heart broke when I saw the look on their faces.
-Aunt Elena, you only just got here.-Myrcella complained. How can I even begin to explain this to her?
-I have to go sweetie.-I said with a small smile.-I am leaving for good. I am going to marry Lord Stark's son and I will have a new home.-I almost whispered. I may not wish to stay here, and to be anywhere near their mother, but I don't want to leave them. For a long time, they were the silver lining to my clouds. And I have failed them. I have grown to love other children as much as I love them.
-Will we ever see you again?-asked Tommen. His question caught me by surprise, and as soon as I did not answer in an instant, they knew.-Aunt Elena, please.-he begged. Tears started to fill my eyes.
-I am so sorry. I truly am. I hope I do see you some day, but I cannot make any promises.-I said. I hate lying. Especially if I care for the person. Chances are, I will never see them again. And even if I do see them, Gods know in what conditions will it happen. I am joining a family who will want nothing to do with the Lannisters. And if it weren't for the kids, I would have been perfectly happy with it.
-This is your home.-Myrcella whispered. How can I explain to her that this never was my home? I might have lived her for most of my life, but this place never was my home.
-Not anymore.-I said, and took a deep breath.-This is the way life goes. I am grown now, and I will make myself a new home.-I whispered, hoping that they will ask no more questions that I can't answer.
-Why do you have to go to Winterfell? It is cold and far away.-Tommen said, and I smiled.
-Because that is the way your grandfather wanted it to be. And don't you dare worry about me. I will be more than fine. You two are the ones who need to be strong. Be true Baratheons.-I said, lying to both them and myself. They are lions. They are more lions that I ever was. True Lannisers, by all means.
-I will miss you Aunt Elena.-Myrcella whispered, and both of them hugged me. I smiled.
-And I will miss you to. Be safe.-I said, and I kissed them both. I didn't even look at Cersei as I was leaving the room. I only hope that she will treat her children well, and that they won't pay for her mistakes.
Elisa was overseeing the preparations for our trip, so I was alone in my chambers. And I took one last look around. I have a feeling, I feel it in my bones, that I will never see this chambers again. I will never hide away here from Septa, reading books and enjoying this amazing view of the sea. I will probably never feel the warm breeze on my skin. No. I am going to a place where everything is cold and dark.
I liked Winterfell well enough, but I will miss this. Not the people, not the life I used to lead, but the climate, the view, the warmness. I know well enough you can't have everything, so I am saying goodbye to the things I love. A knock at the door brought me back to reality.
-Come in.-I said, and I looked over, only to see Tyrion walking in. I took a deep breath, and I ran to him. I started crying as soon as I saw him. I feel on my knees and hugged him with all the strength I had.
-Lena, calm down.-he said in a soothing voice, but it did not work.-Elena, I am so sorry. I had no idea.-he whispered, and when I looked at him, I knew he was saying the truth. I could see it in his eyes.-And I am also sorry for the news of your betrothal.-he said, and I managed a smile.
-My dear brother, I do not care anymore. As long as it's away from here.-I said, and I whipped the tears on my cheeks.-I would even marry a Fray if that meant I am away from them. I should be happy that I am going to a good house.-I said.
-You are going where I should be.-he said with a small smile.-You were happy there.-he added.
-I don't want to leave you.-I whispered.-You are all I have left Tyrion. I never had a mother. I do not have a brother and a sister anymore. And I doubt I ever had a father. I only have you, my dear brother. Come with me. Come to the North will me. We may find our happiness there.-I said. He liked it well enough. I am sure they have plenty of wine and whores that he can enjoy for a very long time.
-I can't. I need to stay here. I wish I could. Just, promise me you will take care of yourself. That you will not let him own you. You will stay strong and mouthy and everything you always was. And promise me that you will hit wherever you need to, even if it means hitting your family.-he said, and I looked at him in surprise. I smiled once I realized what he meant. He is on my side. He is on the side of my future family. He will be our connection with King's Landing. I knew I was right when he smiled back at me.
-I knew it.-I said, and hugged him.-I will never lose you, will I?-I asked, and he started laughing.
-No, you won't. Go on, you must leave now.-he said, and I stood up.-And one more thing. About the Stark boy… He seemed kind enough, but I do believe I should give you advice.-he said, and I nodded. I have no idea what I'm heading into, and advice would be much appreciated.-Be his friend. Be his advisor. Be his support. Be his comfort, and be the best lover he could ever have. If you are all of that to him, he will be all of that to you. If you respect each other from the very start, you will reach love more easily.-he said. I smiled. I hope he is right. And if he is not, I will do my best either way. I will not give up.
-Thank you. Thank you my dear, smart brother.-I said, and I hugged him. We walked outside, hand in hand. The Stark family was already in the carriage. The royal court was not saying goodbye to them, they are saying goodbye to me. I hugged Myrcella and Tommen once again, as well as Tyrion. And I did not even look at Cersei and Jaime until I was in the carriage. Jaime was crying, and Cersei was holding onto him. It looked as if she was sobbing. I suppose you don't know what you have until you lose it. They lost a sister. Tyrion didn't, and perhaps that is was why he was smiling. I managed to wave him goodbye before the carriage moved away. Moved away from the only life I've ever known, and my family. I didn't have the strength in me to hide my tears. Elisa, Lord Stark, Sansa and Arya were the witnesses. And I just couldn't stop. I am scared, I am scared beyond belief. The notion that I might never see them again hurt more than I could ever imagine. I will miss some of them. And some of them I hope never to see again.
-Elena, don't cry.-Arya whispered, and I looked at her.-We're going home.-she said, and I smiled at her.
-So it would appear.-I said, and the four of them smiled at me. I'm going to my new home. The only thing left is for Gendry to join us, and to tell him the truth about his father. And as soon as I do that, the only thing left for me to think of will be my marriage. And I couldn't be more scared.
CATELYN
-My lady!-I heard Maestar Luwin call me, and I turned to him. Robb almost jumped from his seat.-A raven for you, from Kings Landing.-he said, and I pulled the scroll from his hand, opening it at once.
Cat, we're coming home. Elena Lannister saved me. Her father freed me under his conditions, and she is the one who convinced me to as it said. I lied. I had to lie to be free. And I did it because it was the only way to get home. I did it for the lives of our children. I am coming home to you, and I'm bringing our girls with us. And Elena is also coming. Tywin Lannister and I made a deal for my freedom. It was all his idea, and I did not have a choice. Robb and Elena are set to marry each other. Tell Robb that I am sorry that he did not have a say in this. I would have done it differently if I could. Elena isn't too happy about it either, she had no say in it. As worried as I am, I know that she will be loyal to us. And as she mentioned a few times, she had a promise to keep, so that leads me to believe that you too have faith in her loyalty. I believe she will be a good wife to Robb, even if that is not what they wanted. Again, tell him I'm sorry. Make him see that that was for the best. We start our journey tomorrow. We will be home before you know it. With all my love, Ned.
Oh Gods. I sighed, and sat back down in my chair. They're coming home. The girl did it. And now she is joining out family. Gods, what will Robb think of that? How will I convince him to agree?
-Mother, what happened?-he asked. I looked at him.-Is father alright?-he asked. I just handed him the letter. That is for the best. Once he reads it, I will convince him. Elena might be a Lannister, but she saved half of our family. I saw it with my own two eyes that she is a good girl, and that she is loyal to us. She will be a good wife to him. She is smart, and persistent. Brave, maybe even too much for her own good. She is strong, and she is kind. She is nice. I saw her with Bran and Rickon. She will be a good mother to my grandchildren someday. And she is beautiful. She might not have a Lannister beauty in her, but that makes her even more beautiful. She is natural. If she was from another family, I would have suggested her to Robb myself. But she proved her loyalty. She saved Ned and my daughters. She will be a true Stark.
Only if Robb agrees. I was watching his face, but he showed no emotion. I suppose that is a good thing, at least he is not angry. Once he finished reading, he stood up, and started to walk away.
-Robb, where are you going?-I asked, standing up myself.
-To write a letter to Jon.-he said, and he took a deep breath.-The two of them got along like they grew up together. She will feel better if he is here. She saved my father and my sisters, and she will be my wife. I want her to feel as comfortable as she possibly can, given the circumstances.-he said. And I could only nod. He walked away, and I sat back down.
He isn't angry, but he isn't happy either. I should be thankful that he accepts it. I hope they turn out to be just like Ned and I are now. When we got married, I didn't even know him. And Robb and Elena… well, they met each other. They liked each other. Maybe there was only friendship, but they do have a better start than Ned and I ever had. Hopefully, they will grow to love one another. It might take time, but the will have plenty of that.