Elseyris' Rooms

"Better than I know myself? That is a bold claim, My Lord, but an amusing one. If you truly knew that much, you would not have to ask me to bare my soul," she said playfully. "However, I will entertain your request. You may have noticed from Elseyris Targaryen's cyvasse strategy that she carefully guards that which she holds dear, though recognizes that, sometimes, it is best to let the enemy come close before unleashing her fury."

As she said those words, she picked off his heavy horse with her dragon, positioning it to take his elephant next turn.

"Though she protects that which she loves with ferocity, she regards her own safety less highly, and so is given to recklessness, borne from her passions."

As she leaned back from the board to observe his next move, she flicked her hair over her shoulder, and he could see the ragged scar above her clavicle. She glanced to the book he had brought, smiling at it softly;

"She strives to see the good and beauty in the world, lest she be consumed by it's overwhelming darkness and cruelty. She has nightmares most nights. She is almost always honest, though often says the wrong things to the wrong people. Her heart is big, probably too much so, too eager to trust, vulnerable. She is a very real thing in a very false world, and that is why she is in so much pain."

She sat silently once she finished speaking, feeling a lump in her throat as she looked intensely into Sergio's eyes, her own full of her sadness, her fighting spirit, her loss, and her love that dwelt elsewhere.

Elsey shook her head a little, realising how drained she felt. Pouring all of that out had also left her feeling an anxiety that she may have said too much. After all, Sergio was clearly a pleasant man to have as company, but she did not truly feel she knew him. He could easily be another person sent by the King, perhaps to lure her into a false sense of security, and tempt her to say something that would give Trajan cause to injure her further.

"Forgive me, My Lord, but the act of baring the soul is something I have rarely done. It seems to have taken more out of me than I expected."

She smiled apologetically at him, hoping he did not think her mad.

"You played well, My Lord. Bravely. I appreciate you humouring me with your company. You are clearly a kind man, I shall treasure your friendship."

She smiled warmly, despite the strange feeling of fatigue upon her.

"How soon do you need your book back?"

Elseyris looked genuinely touched;

"Thank you. I am humbled. I shall consider it an early nameday gift."

She stroked the book's cover with a smile.

"I am glad that you enjoyed being here. Many would find a young lady of barely five-and-ten to be tedious company, though I suppose I do am not like most young ladies," she said, bashfully, but with sincere gratitude.

"Perhaps, someday, you shall hear mine in my own words then, My Lord," said Elsey, in a friendly yet restrained tone, which clearly came from their being observed.

"I hope we may speak again soon. I shall let you know my thoughts on these poems. I expect they will be wonderful."

////////

Having been afraid to put her friend in Trajan's presence, Elseyris took the opportunity to invite Megga to her rooms once he had left King's Landing.

"Not in the slightest, sweetling. I have wanted to spend more time with you for so long."

Elsey stroked Megga's hair, smiling broadly, gesturing to her long window seat, made plush with cushions, a small table nearby, with tea and a couple of pastries laid upon it.

"I'll explain, but first, have a seat. I had Lissa bring apple tarts for us both."

"Well, once Sunflower Hall is restored, the apples will be safe again," Elsey smiled. "In the meantime, there are plenty here."

At Megga's question, Elseyris' expression became sad.

"Yes. They are... gone. My... husband... has been sent to find them, I believe. That is why I did not meet with you sooner. I was under his watch constantly, and I did not want to risk you catching his attention. He is volatile and cruel, and best avoided."

Elsey glanced briefly towards the door, knowing that Ser Bryan was likely standing guard on the other side.

"Ser Bryan is better for a guard. You need not fear him."

"I will be alright. I'm sorry to have worried you. I intend to make up for my absence."

She smiled warmly at Megga, though it did not escape the girl that Elseyris' neck and left arm were bandaged.

"Tell me how you have been, Megga."

"That's wonderful news for Arwyn," said Elseyris, cheerfully, though she felt a chill of fear in her own heart, as she was reminded of Trajan's ultimatum. She glanced anxiously at her fingers, but then reached out to take Megga's hand, looking into her eyes with sadness and sincerity;

"As much as I would love to go to Sunflower Hall with you and your sisters, I am not permitted to leave here. While I'm sure you are right that Arwyn would say yes, the King would almost certainly say no. I'm sorry."

Elsey looked thoughtfully at Megga for a few moments, then spoke again;

"However... Megga, how would you feel about staying here with me? You could come into my service, if you wanted."

"I am not offended at all, Megga, you are right."

Elseyris squeezed Megga's hand.

"There are people I can speak to, before asking the King, who might be able to help me find the best way to make the request, make it more likely to succeed. I believe it is worth a try, if you would want it. Do not feel that you must say yes, I will not be upset if you would rather not. We will be friends, no matter what."

"I understand completely. He frightens me too. I would never want you to live with that fear hanging over you, so please, take all the time you need, and you can ask me anything."

Elsey looked at Megga with a small but kind smile;

"I'm sorry, I seem to have worried you. I didn't mean to. It was just a thought, since we neither are terribly good at making friends."