Today was the day. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the wolves were howling. Everything lovely seemed even lovelier on a day like this, and everything dour ceased to exist.
Sansa drove alongside the coast of the Blackwater Bay feeling as enriched and invigorated as one could possibly be. Though she woke before the sun had risen, there was naught a thing to complain about. There was much to look forward to.
She could not wait to try on all the glamorous and bedazzling new clothes at the wardrobe fitting. She also could not wait to meet all her other colleagues and her partner for this year's show! She wondered who it could be. Normally they didn't pair first time professional dancers with the best of partners, but Sansa intended to make lemoncakes out of lemons! Nothing would sour this experience for her, it was pretty much a dream come true!
As she pulled into the studio, she noticed that she was one of the earlier arrivals. There were only 3 cars parked.
She could hardly contain her excitement. Today she woke up without even the use of an alarm clock. She figured that being she was new on the job, it would be better to be early rather than just simply on time.
She promptly pulled into one of the many available parking spaces with an easy precision, leaving much space between the wheels and the parking lines. After all, precision was key for a dancer, and Sansa always tried her best to implement those skills into her everyday life.
She grabbed her fluffy white bag perched on the neighboring front seat, shut and locked her car, and set forth towards security to check herself in.
"Good Morning! How do you fare today? My name is Sansa Stark, and I'm one of the new hires for this year's season of Modevial Movements. I'm here to attend a wardrobe fitting and photoshoot," Sansa greeted the security guard with an unfeigned zeal and enthusiasm.
"May I see ID, lady?" The security guard muttered, who seemingly did not possess any of her own unbridled vivacity this morning.
"Yes, you may!" Sansa responded with the same amount of energy she greeted the cranky man with, despite his attitude, and handed him her ID.
He took her ID and scanned it most unenthusiastically. He then sighed deeply, and picked his phone up to his ear.
He seemed to have been left on hold, Sansa assumed. As the man made no comment or insinuation to fill her in as to what was going on, he sat there behind his desk for a good five minutes with the phone to his ear seemingly waiting for something to happen.
Sansa just hummed and glanced around the desolate parking lot, trying to make herself busy.
Sansa nearly jumped when she heard her not very friendly companion utter a noise, after what seemed an hour of awkward interrupted silence.
"It's Boros, she's here," the portly stone-faced man spoke into his phone.
He waited a half second for a response, and then instantly hung up.
"Boss will be with you in a minute."
"Thank you very much!"
He grunted in reply, not seeming to be the talkative sort. Sansa could hardly blame him, seeing as it was quite early. Being a security guard seemed awfully boring; just a bunch of sitting and waiting around for something to occur.
About a minute or two later a very well dressed man came out from the studio. He was about the same height as her, with salt and pepper hair, and a very unique pointed beard grown upon his chin.
"Hello, and good morning Miss Stark. My name is Petyr Baelish. We spoke over the phone when I gave you the news about your casting. It's lovely to finally see you in person," he greeted her with a twinkle in his eye.
"Oh, yes! It's a pleasure to meet you as well, and thank you so very much again for this life changing opportunity!"
"Oh the pleasure is all mine," he said with his lips curving into a smile. "Please follow me, and let me show you around the studio."
And with that, Sansa and were off and into the studio. He showed her around the dressing rooms; showing her she had her own private dressing room that had a sign with her name on it. He showed her around the wardrobe department, catering, and finally the ballroom.
Sansa was suddenly taken out of her reverie when she felt ' catlike eyes laser focused on her. She looked back at him for a moment, noting that though he was smiling with his mouth, he was assessing her with eyes. A shiver ran down Sansa's spine that she tried to ignore.
"I can see you're very excited to be here, you'll be a great asset to the team. I've scheduled your wardrobe fitting first so you have time later to make nice with the rest of the cast and crew. You'll also be filming today, and doing a photoshoot with your partner and the rest of our ensemble cast."
"Filming? Oh, that's right! Pro dancers and their celebrity partners usually film their first initial meetings!"
"That they do, sweetling. But first let's make it certain that we've got your measurements in order."
And with that, swiftly made way for the wardrobe section of the studio, while Sansa trailed after him, a bit befuddled by his hasty retreat.
They ended up meeting with a woman named Kella, a stout woman who had her toddler daughter with her in tow.
Kella, her daughter, and all ended up being present for Sansa's wardrobe fitting. Sansa found it odd that made himself so present for her fitting, a man who no doubt had countless responsibilities to attend to. Quite frankly, it was a bit uncomfortable, and Sansa would have preferred to have done without his presence and constant quips and comments about the hemlines and slits, etc.
Instead, she decided to distract her growing discomfort by admiring the beautiful gowns, skirts, and jewels she was presented with. There was an array of Myrish lace dresses and tokars, with silk soft as Lady's coat was. She was also heavily encouraged by to try a samite Qartheen gown, except this gown did not leave her left breast bare, as television did not allow for such promiscuity to be televised.
She was excited to explore the different art and craft of the Essosis' and their dances in her upcoming numbers. She had to admit it was quite a bit daunting given her expertise lay more in the old timey Westerosi great dances and two-steps that she grew up learning from her old Septa.
The rest of the wardrobe fitting went by in the blink of an eye. ended Sansa's makeshift runway fashion show,calling for them all to break their afternoon fast with the rest of the cast and crew.
Sansa could hardly contain her excitement while she made her way down to the mess hall. She was quite familiar with the professional dancers and all they've achieved. These dancers had become household names over the years, and were able to make the audience love them, and Sansa hoped to follow suit.
Upon entering the room, her eyes first locked with none other than Loras Tyrell. He was the heartthrob of the show, and had been on for 5 seasons already. His curly long brown locks, and ooo gooey brown eyes made Sansa's pulse race and cheeks redden upon making eye contact with them. He gave her a swift nod, and then looked back over at the person he was initially entertaining a conversation with.
Sansa made an effort to not let her disappointment show outwardly. She had imagined that the true gentleman that he was portrayed on television to be would not fail to make haste and introduce himself to a wide-eyed and nervous lady such as herself.
With that she moved on, and let her eyes continue to roam around the room to see if she could spot another familiar face.
And familiar faces, she spotted.
She noticed the dazzling faces of Margaery Tyrell, Arianne Martell, Asha Greyjoy, Lancel Lannister, and Oberyn Martell.
They all look even lovelier in person, Sansa thought. The cast was so versatile; each of them hailed from an aristocratic family in Westeros, and are the most beloved dancers in the country, and perhaps the entire world!
"So what they say about you is true," Margaery remarked, after taking a meager bite of her dressing-less salad.
Sansa was at a loss for words,, in the presence of one of her idols. Somehow, she found it in her to speak.
"What do they say?"
"That you're a true beauty to behold. I in no way intend to be rude, but we haven't heard or seen much about the Stark family downsouth. You northerners sure like to keep yourselves."
"Father did always want a quiet life for us, but ever since… the incident, I've decided to forge my own destiny!" Sansa said triumphantly, with only a hint of defensiveness.
Margaery only smiled at her.
"It's going to be tough being the new pro dancer around here. I remember my first year, no one in the cast provided me with any words of wisdom or advice. Luckily, I had my true gentleman of a brother Loras by my side. Doesn't hurt to have your grandmother on the judging panel either.
"The great Olenna Tyrell is going to be one of the judges?" Sansa asked, astonished.
"You haven't heard!? It was only the biggest news that hit the press this month. Well, aside from the announcement of your hire," Margaery finished with a satisfied smile.
Sansa was stunned by the news. Wouldn't it be most unfair to the rest of the competitors that Loras and Margaery were to be judged by their esteemed and worldly renowned grandmother? Wouldn't that completely undermine the integrity of the show?
Margaery decided to share more do's and don'ts about attaining public adoration, and keeping up appearances with whatever partner you're assigned to.
"No matter who it is, you've got to pretend that you're in love."
"Love!?" Sansa all but squeaked out.
"Yes! The audience wants to feel like they are a part of your story. They need a narrative to cling on to, after all, its reality television! It's my third year on the show and I was previously partnered with Osmund Kettleback. He was basically moronic, but also a total cutie. Wasn't too hard to feign attraction there. And last year my partner was none other than Tommen Baratheon. A bit young for my tastes, and believe you me; we did not fully live out that portrayal of puppy love behind the scenes, but the audience seemed to have bought a sliver of my performance seeing as we placed silver last year," Margaery humble-bragged, though; she also seemed a bit peeved whilst uttering her last remark.
It wasn't Sansa's main goal, but she didn't want to completely rule out the possibility of finding herself a love-match on the show. Last year Jaime Lannister was partnered with a burly women's wrestler and world champion named Brienne of Tarth. The media rejoiced at the pairing; Jaime Lannister was a veteran of the show, having since been on since the first season. He had never won due to his cocky nature, and contentious relationships with his partners. He was even a celebrity in his own right, though he was heavily villainized in the press. Word on the street was that his very rich father, Tywin Lannister, paid off Westeros TV and kept his son on the show to maintain appearances for the family, desperately trying to endear his son to the public.
Jaime's efforts finally came to fruition, though not in the way he may have hoped. His partnership with the tall amazon of a woman got off to a rocky start. In rehearsal video packages, they were always bickering, and Jaime Lannister's public image took the worst beating ever. There were egregious rumors circling around about him having a long term affair with his twin sister, Cersei Lannister, and that her three children were actually his spawn.
Of course the Lannisters denied all the rumors, deeming them preposterous and defamatory. His nephew and rumored son Joffrey Baratheon also partook in the destruction of the Lannister name, as he was caught on film being verbally abusive to his staff, and was found guilty of running an underground fighting ring, where brutes from all over the world would travel to beat one another to a bloody pulp for Joffrey's amusement. He was later found out, and found guilty of many crimes that Sansa lost track of counting. His staff got into some really bad legal trouble as well.
With all of those vile accusations and the ramifications of Joffrey's malevolence, the Lannister name was in shambles.
Surprisingly, Jaime Lannister began to grow fond of the stocky colossus of a woman, and the general audience enjoyed their enemies-to-lovers dynamic so much that they ended up winning the competition.
It was later revealed that the two were in a full-fledged relationship, and that Jaime Lannister put the Lannister legacy and fame and fortune behind him. He now resides in the exquisite island of Tarth with his lady love.
It was awfully romantic, Sansa thought. She obviously wanted to keep things strictly professional around here, but to have an epic love story played out before the nation's eyes would be ever so sweet.
Sansa herself had not much image to redeem. Sure, she has acquired some fame due to the unforeseen tragedy she and her family underwent, but her dearly departed father had made sure to raise his children in an environment that had none of the nasty undercurrents of corruption and avarice that the south allegedly had.
While Sansa appreciated the care and thought that went into her upbringing, she'd be lying if she were to say that she had everything she'd ever wanted in life in the North. Her family was extremely important to her, and she would never dare to besmirch their good name in vain, but there was so much more out there than the winter wonderland that was Winterfell. She wanted to meet other types of people, see and experience different cultures.
Thus far, Kings Landing had not proven to be the cesspool of power hungry conspirators her father had proclaimed it to be. She lived in a lovely neighborhood, not too far from the Red Keep, her coworkers and bosses seemed to be nice enough.
"Anywho, it'll be interesting to see who they paired me up with this year, I'm hoping he's easy on the eyes, "Margaery said, interrupting Sansa's pondering.
Sansa giggled.
Later in the afternoon, Sansa was waiting in one of the rehearsal studios rooms, mic'd up and ready to meet whoever her partner was to be.
She was the only person in the room; the cameras had been angled in different directions about the room. The producers had wanted a more authentic reaction from the celebrities and their partners whilst they were in the training room. Sansa had constantly tried to remind herself that though it was a dance show; it was reality television as well.
She was slightly anxious,; but was mostly excited about meeting this mystery man. She thought back on Margaery's words earlier, of her hoping to have an attractive partner.
Though it may be a bit shallow, Sansa hoped the same. She was so bereft of romance back in Winterfell due to the status of her family, and lack of viable suitors. Everyone was simply a family friend, even though she was no stranger to having elaborate fantasy dalliances with some choice men in her head.
The hair and makeup team did simply exquisite work. Her wavy auburn tresses were shiny and shimmering down the expanse of her long back. Her eyes had never looked more blue; brought out by the subtle charcoal makeup bedaubed around her eyes.
She was slightly anxious, but was mostly excited about meeting this mystery man. She thought back on Margaery's words earlier, of her hoping to have an attractive partner.
Though it may be a bit shallow, Sansa hoped the same. She was so bereft of romance back in Winterfell due to the status of her family, and lack of viable suitors. Everyone was simply a family friend, even though she was no stranger to having elaborate fantasy dalliances with some choice men in her head.
The hair and makeup team did simply exquisite work. Her wavy auburn tresses were shiny and shimmering down the expanse of her long back. Her eyes had never looked more blue; brought out by the subtle charcoal makeup bedaubed around her eyes.
Her outfit was casual. She wore a pink sports bra, and tight gray leggings that enhanced the loveliness of her athletic long legs and flat tummy.
Said flat tummy was swarmed by butterflies; she could hardly keep still.
She kept her lips subtly pursed, her spine straight, and her eyes as wide as an ingenue.
Stay pretty, she reminded herself.
Finally, she heard the turn of the doorknob, and the creak of the door. It all happened in slow motion. She first saw the foot enter through the threshold. Her partner showed up to dance practice wearing sneakers…
"There she is! Said a berry faced man, dressed in casual attire. He was wearing a Kings Landing tourist t-shirt and gray sweatpants, accentuating an appendage Sansa wished she could not see.
The chubby man suddenly darted forward and pulled her into the most unwelcome of embraces. He was quite clammy, and could smell the faint odor of both liquor and B.O.
She unenthusiastically reciprocated his hug, not wanting to seem unfriendly in front of the cameras. She reminded herself this was going to be broadcasted to millions, and thus plastered a fake smile on her face.
"It's so nice to finally meet your acquaintance, Sansa said, while in the midst of withdrawing herself from his bearlike embrace. "My name is Sansa Stark, and I'm so excited to dance with you this season!"
"Oh the pleasure is all mine!" The portly man said, finally taking the hint and withdrawing his embrace. "My name is Dontos Hollard, and it pleases me greatly to work with a talent and beauty such as yourself."
Usually such a comment would cause Sansa to blush, but she was not at all charmed. She was ashamed to admit to herself that she was disappointed, but she wouldn't dare squander this opportunity!
"Dontos is such a lovely name," she lied. "Forgive me, as I was quite isolated from popular society up north, but what ever is your line of profession?" She asked, earnestly.
"Oh no offense is taken, sweetheart. I am a professional comedian. You may recognize me from the hit television show, ``Weenies of Westeros"?" He asked, pridefully.
"Oh, I can't say I'm aware. I grew up not watching much television," she lied. "Well, I look forward to learning more about the show as we get to know one another more." She lied again.
They spent the next 3 or so hours getting to know one another better, and Sansa showed him some basic rudimentary dance steps. His execution of those steps left a lot to be desired.
As time went by, Sansa reconciled herself to the fact that the man was not so bad. Sure, he was a bit handsy, smelly, and lacked complete decorum; but she supposed that was part of his charm with most.
When rehearsal had ended, she informed her very sweaty partner of her plans creatively.
"Our outfits for the photoshoot are going to be Florian and Jonquil inspired. They are one of my favorite folktales and I thought it would be great to pay tribute…
"I'm just tickled pink to hear this news!" He said, with no irony. "Florian and Jonquil is one of my favorite folktales as well!"
"Really?" Sansa asked, incredulously.
"Why of course! I've based lots of my comedy after Florian the Fool, I see lots of myself in that particular character. And you would make the most perfect Jonquil, if I do say so myself."
"Thank you! I really love and identify with Jonquil's story as you do Florian's! The pressure she felt from those around her to adhere to what they thought was best for her is the epitome of my life! I'm so glad to hear you feel a connection with their story as well." Sansa said, enthusiastically.
"It seems we're a match made in the seven heavens. I look forward to the photoshoot this evening. Now, I must go bathe and rid myself of my profuse sweat. I apologize for the inconvenience."
"It's no worry, I must clean up myself as well." Sansa responded, chipperly.
With that, they said their goodbyes and parted ways.
Though it didn't go exactly as Sansa had hoped, Sansa was glad to have had a halfway decent first session with her partner.
He may not have been the most debonair of gentlemen, but he was kind enough and seemed to possess a real enthusiasm for Sansa's favorite story of all time.
She was always one to hope for the best while being in a less than ideal situation, and this was hardly a challenge compared to her other tribulations.
She could make herself ever the gracious and respectable lady Jonquil was, and the audience was likely to take pity on her; being that she was partnered with the human equivalent of a toad; but they were just as likely to admire her for her beauty and generous spirit.
I will make the people of Westeros love me, Sansa thought, just like her Aunt Lyanna before her and Jaime Lannister.
With a renewed vigor, Sansa went off to bathe with stars in her eyes.