The East Wind-The Wind of War

"Well, I found years ago that I was terrible at needlework and being courtly, so I compensated by learning how to hit things with blunt objects," Elsey laughed, handing the wooden sword over to an attendant, and awaiting the presentation of the reward.

Elsey bowed, still beaming;

"Thank you."

She then turned her attention to Ser Jaime and Monty, subduing her grin and making her demeanor more gracious as she sidled over to them.

"A fine bout, thank you," she said with a bow, containing the urge to dance a merry jig. "I would like to conclude our wager, Ser Jaime."

"Thank you, I will," Elsey replied, smiling sweetly, before returning to Aerion's side.

"So, uncle, what shall we do with our winnings?"

"As you say," said Elsey, pressing the purse into Aerions hand. "Come by the Master of Coin's office in the afternoon. I'll be there to collect from Westerling, so it will be handier that way".

Elsey turned to face Sergio with a broad smile and took the offered goblet;

"My Lord Sergio! Thank you! It was a lot of fun. Between you and I, it was rather satisfying to beat a knight, despite being untrained with a sword."

She flinched a little at the unexpected touch, but allowed it.

"Ser Jaime Westerling. The one with the blonde curls that smiles at anything in a dress," she said, with an amused smirk. She was clearly a little drunk, and feeling pleased with herself.

"I did manage to be gracious about it in front of him though. Just."

She giggled.

Elsey glanced down at her ruined dress. In her typical manner, she had not cared about the mud, and it did not occur to her that fighting in it would be to her detriment. She laughed, and shrugged in mock shame;

"That is well then. I don't normally dress up this much. My mother and sister would be affronted if they saw the mess I'm in now."

Although she laughed, a flicker of something akin to sadness crossed her face, as she thought of her absent family.

Elsey took his arm and allowed him to lead her inside.

"My family couldn't be much more dishonoured than it is already, My Lord."

Elsey looked at him in shock for several seconds.

"You... it was you that did that? How?"

"I see..." Elsey said flatly, the news still sinking in. She took a long drink from her goblet, then took a deep breath.

"What became of the old woman who tried to free me? Did she get away from the guards?"

"I am sorry that she died. She fought bravely," said Elsey, her expression confused and sad. "I am glad that my mother and Rhaegar are safe."

She squeezed his hand back.

"And, I suppose, I am glad to be alive. When I awoke, in the Grand Maester's chambers, I was surprised that Trajan had not just let me drown in my own blood. Mercy is not something he is known for."

"Was it kindness? Or did he not want to miss humiliating me by marrying me to the man who tortures me?" Elsey replied, bitterness creeping into her voice as her eyes grew dark, tears welling up.

"I had not long regained consciousness when I was forced into a wedding gown and made to say false words, before false gods, so subdued by fear and drugs that I barely felt present at all. No-one with a shred of kindness in them would have ordered such a thing."