Elaena watched as the Driftmark ship sailed away from the capital.

She replayed the strange goodbye she'd shared with her father in the training yard, recalling how he'd shaken hands with Otto Hightower and nodded to the surrounding Kingsguard. He'd turned to her afterwards, and she'd received a subtly smug look from him before he'd stepped up to her to place a kiss on her cheek.

"Be good." He'd said lowly before turning to his carriage and leaving her.

She could still feel the ghost of his kiss, and a grimace etched across her face. Because she could also feel the threat within the gesture. It made her feel colder than the winter air ever could.

She should have been relieved to watch from her balcony as the Velaryon ship drifted away, but his words haunted her to no end. She could barely take in the luxury of her new chambers. So much space, so much blue and violet decor—it was clear Helaena had arranged them just for her.

So much room to breathe, and she couldn't have felt any more throttled. What was Vaemond doing? It had been easier to gage his temperament when she'd been a child, back when he'd clued her in on his attempts. But now he told her nothing and had simply left her to the Greens.

It doesn't matter anyway. Your time is running out, enjoy it while you can.

She rubbed her wrists against the old stone of the balcony, feeling her gaze dull as she watched the seahorse sigil dip under the horizon. She was alone, well and truly alone.

No one knows of your temperament here, tis a good thing. Go about as you wish, what have you to lose—You've embarrassed the family enough.

You wouldn't want Helaena to worry either—She knows—She doesn't... She doesn't. She may not even suspect, not even Godmother suspects.

Godmother isn't a Dreamer.

Elaena shut her eyes in stress, clenching her teeth in an attempt to banish her conflicting thoughts.

It doesn't matter. Nothing matters. You're here, you're—

The door to the balcony creaked open, and Elaena's eyes shot open to check behind her. The sweet old maid who had dressed her for the wedding smiled softly at her. Elaena felt slightly eased by the warm expression.

"Yes, Tabitha?"

"My lady, the princess has sent over your new handmaiden." The woman said, opening the balcony door to invite Elaena back inside.

Her mood lightened further at the mention of her friend, having been nervous for her state after the dreaded bedding ceremony.

But then she registered Tabitha's words, and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Handmaiden?

Curiosity pushed her back into her chambers, and she followed Tabitha out of the bedroom and into her parlor.

Elaena's heart skipped at the sight of a young maid standing in the space, her head hung low with her gaze pointed to the floor. Her hands clasped together in front of her common clothes, ones which did not fit the elegance of their setting.

However, her fiery hair stood out in thick red coils, saving her from mundanity.

"Her name is Sylvia," Tabitha said softly, as though the girl were under careful observation, "She and a few young maids were handpicked by Her Grace the Queen, but the Princess Helaena thought she would be best suited to you."

Elaena's eyebrows furrowed deeper as Tabitha explained, and she waited for Sylvia to acknowledge the two of them.

But the girl didn't look up from the floor. She could almost pass for a statue in her clear reverence, and it rubbed Elaena the wrong way.

Fairly certain I've exuded the same disposition... Many times. Is she alright?

Tabitha approached the quiet girl and whispered something in her ear. Sylvia only responded by bending her knees carefully before rising back up. After a moment, Elaena realized she had curtsied for her.

"She's a quiet one, my lady, but I assure you she is more than capable." Tabitha said, anxiety edging on her voice. Elaena stiffened from the tone, not used being the object of anyone's esteem. She quickly waved her hands in assurance.

"Of course," She said, concern causing her to speak above her usual soft tone, "I am very appreciative of such luxury, I-I've never had a handmaiden before."

Sylvia's eyebrows quirked slightly, but she still did not raise her head. Tabitha tilted her head in a similar confusion, and Elaena swallowed stiffly in embarrassment.

She had only ever been looked after by distant maids and Hyacinth. Vaemond had never seen the point in paying for such companionship.

"Well what an honor this is, wouldn't you say, Sylvia?" Tabitha said in encouragement. But the young maid only nodded once, and Elaena's heart stuttered in discomfort.

"Tis very nice to meet you, Sylvia." She said softly, hoping to coax a better reaction from the girl.

To her luck, Sylvia finally peaked up at her, and Elaena managed a nervous smile. The young maid's hazel eyes rose further, widening in clear surprise. She didn't say anything, but Elaena was glad to be acknowledged by her truly.

Oh, she's beautiful. Quite adorable too—How old is she? Definitely younger than me—Is she alright?

Why does she look so sad?

"I've checked over the apartments, my lady," Tabitha said sweetly, gaining Elaena's attention from Sylvia's glimmering hazel eyes, "Shall I leave you both to get further aquainted?"

"Yes, of course. Thank you, Tabitha." Elaena replied, nodding to the old maid before gazing at Sylvia again. Her hazel eyes redirected to the floor, and Elaena surmised she was not the only shy soul in the Holdfast.

"Very good," Tabitha bowed her head before moving towards the chamber door, "I'll return in the evening with a few others—Sylvia, ensure the parlor is suited to the lady's liking as well as her bath preferences."

Sylvia didn't turn to acknowledge Tabitha's orders but Elaena hoped she registered them before the old maid left out. It was silent afterwards, and Elaena began fiddling with her fingers in wait.

But then Sylvia unfolded her hands slowly to reveal a piece of parchment in her grasp. Elaena blinked at the small sheet as the young maid extended it out to her. She retrieved it carefully from Sylvia, and unfolded it to see Helaena's handwriting.

I do hope you have found the apartments comfortable. Please inform any of the servants of your slightest discomfort.

Elaena chuckled to herself. Comfortable? She felt the term couldn't have described her feelings towards her new quarters enough. Perhaps pampered would suffice?

To ensure you don't get lonesome in such space, that any issue can be addressed at the earliest convenience, I have called on Sylvia to be your new handmaiden. I know your temperaments will complement one another greatly. Though docile, she is quite skilled, and I am sure you will take good care of one another.

Elaena's eyebrows furrowed. Take good care of one another? How could I ever help her?

I am currently bedridden, but rest assured I will see you in a day or two. Enjoy.

Hel

Elaena swallowed at the mention of Helaena's state. She'd prayed all night that her friend would be alright after the bedding, and she hated that all she could do was continue to pray. She wished to see Helaena's face, to afford any comfort she could manage.

Before Elaena could meet Sylvia's hazel gaze, the young maid turned to look over the parlor. Elaena watched her step toward the fireplace, grabbing its brush and starting to clean the bit of soot she spotted.

She worked carefully and quietly, and Elaena watched curiously. After some time, she could tell Sylvia had a trait of meticulousness. Tabitha had cleaned the place quite well, but Sylvia continued to find spots unkept, however minuscule.

Or is she busying herself with nothing to avoid engaging with me?

Elaena let out a sigh as Sylvia patted down the couch pillows. She hated feeling like she was in the way, like she had to force a connection with anyone clearly indifferent to her.

But who are you anyway? She's only here to do what she's been tasked, don't make it harder by whining.

But how are we to get along if we don't communicate?

Well, don't put the expectation on her—Maybe she's simply waiting for your order?

Elaena cleared her throat, "Sylvia."

The young maid seized all movement and her hazel eyes widened, worry glistening in them at the lady's acknowledgment. Elaena could see a strange fear bubbling in those eyes, and she quickly softened her expression to show Sylvia she'd done nothing wrong.

"Pardon me," Elaena said softly, regretful for disturbing the girl. Sylvia blinked and stood erect for Elaena's command, "How... How old are you?"

The young maid blinked again, her eyes flickering to the side nervously. Elaena could practically see her mind freezing in confusion. Her lips quirked, and Elaena waited for her to speak...

But she did not. When she started picking at her faded skirts, Elaena tilted her head in confusion. Clearly, the girl wouldn't respond... or she struggled to.

"Have you worked here very long?" Elaena tried again, keeping her tone light to not pressure the girl, "Within the Keep?"

She wasn't sure if her effort worked, because Sylvia grimaced slightly and continued to pick at her skirts.

She doesn't like you, she doesn't even wish to speak to you—She knows—She doesn't. She doesn't. Why would she even care?

She's nervous—And doesn't like you—Maybe she is just nervous?

Elaena swallowed the anxiety creeping up her spine. Sylvia looked no better. In fact, it may have been the first time Elaena met someone who looked as numb as she'd been feeling.

"Can you speak?" She asked softly, and Sylvia lowered her gaze again, "Tis alright if you do not wish to—I just... I-I have read of people with such impediments... Are you able to speak?"

Sylvia met her gaze again, and her stifled expression melted into curious one. She slowly nodded to Elaena, and the lady felt her chest lighten from its nerves. She breathed in relief before asking further.

"Do you wish to speak?" She asked carefully, and Sylvia's gaze flickered away again. Another grimace etched on to her face, and Elaena's heart stuttered in dejection.

She doesn't want to speak to you, she doesn't like you—Why? Did I do something already? Perhaps she does know...

Or perhaps this has nothing to do with me? She did nod, she isn't ignoring me... But she looks so uncomfortable.

Elaena sighed softly so Sylvia wouldn't think she was upset, "Tis alright... You do not have to speak if you do not wish to."

A certain expression brightened over Sylvia's face, but Elaena couldn't decipher a singular emotion in it. There was worry, perhaps fear, but also hope—No, relief.

Such a complex expression for such a young girl, and Elaena immediately felt inclined to protect her.

"For your benefit," She spoke in a better conviction, "Is there a way you'd like to communicate?"

Sylvia's eyes glimmered steadily, and her lips parted for a moment. Elaena's eyes widened in hope before the girl shut her mouth again and shuttered inwardly. She shrugged her shoulders quickly before lowering her gaze again.

Wait. . . Stifling...

She is stifling herself.

Elaena knew the look all too well. She knew better than to question the girl, having only just met her, but she deeply wished to ask Sylvia what was wrong. It was clear something had happened.

"... Can you write?" Elaena asked after another moment, regaining Sylvia's attention, "I find that writing works far better than speaking... Do you know how to?"

It was common for lowborn people, especially women, to not be adept with writing or reading. So when Sylvia's expression softened, and she let out a quick breath before nodding, Elaena smiled softly at her.

She turned to a writing desk by the parlor's window and grabbed a quill and a sheet of parchment. She looked to Sylvia's form behind her.

"Come." She said softly, nodding to her station. Sylvia hesitantly approached Elaena, and when she stood beside her, Elaena pushed the sheet toward her. She grabbed the small tub of ink and dipped the quill into it.

"How old are you?" She asked softly as she handed Sylvia the quill. The young maid eyed the parchment for a moment before breathing out lowly and setting pen to paper.

six and ten

Elaena's lip quirked in victory as she eyed the girl's writing.

"Ah, not much younger than me." She said lowly, her smile remaining for the girl. Sylvia's eyebrows raised in pleasant surprise, and Elaena could see the glistening of her hazel eyes sharpening.

She's trying. She doesn't not like you, she's trying.

Elaena bit her lip and tried her luck further, "Are you from King's Landing, have you worked in the Holdfast long?"

Sylvia's expression dampened, and Elaena's concern sparked again. Before she could apologize for overstepping, Sylvia shook her head slightly and touched the pen to the parchment again.

cobbler's square, I have only been here two years

Elaena's eyes widened, "Ah, so you started at only four and ten?"

Sylvia nodded, and her lips quirked slightly at the sight of Elaena's awe.

"Forgive me, but that's no ordinary feat in my standing." She chuckled bashfully, "I can barely make my bed properly at seven and ten."

Sylvia managed a smile at the confession, and Elaena hung her head in lighthearted shame.

"Tis a good thing you're here," She continued, "Do you work alone, or have you any family to help you?"

She'd been aware of families working together to service Driftmark. With the Red Keep being monstrous in size, she wouldn't have been surprised if there were a myriad of common families working in the staff.

But when Sylvia's expression faltered back into its sad tone, Elaena wished she hadn't asked such a question. The young maid hesitated with the quill in hand before she laid it back down on the desk. Elaena's heart stuttered in worry.

Idiot. Too much, too close. What are you thinking—You don't know her. She doesn't know you, why are you like this? You should stop talking now. Ruined it. Damn it, Elaena, stop.

"Forgive me—" She said quickly, watching as Sylvia stiffened back into her docile stature, "I... I'm sorry, I should not have... It is incredibly impolite to pry, I do apologize..."

Sylvia peaked at Elaena's crumbling figure curiously. The quill was placed back in her hand, and she couldn't help but eye the way Elaena's fingers held the feather to her palm. It was a desperate plea.

"Ask me anything," She said quickly, "Anything you wish at all."

Sylvia eyed the quill and swallowed stiffly. Elaena watched her shocked expression for a moment, keeping her mouth shut in wait. When Sylvia finally touched the pen to the parchment, Elaena sighed through her nose.

where are you from? you sound funny

Elaena locked eyes with Sylvia's wide ones, and a chuckle bubbled through her chest at the blunt statement. Sylvia's lips quirked again, and Elaena cleared the dryness of her throat.

"High Valyrian is my mother tongue," She explained and Sylvia's eyes widened, "But I was born in Driftmark. My father and I live under my uncle Lord Corlys and his wife Princess Rhaenys."

Sylvia's gaze flitted to Elaena's dark twists, bound tightly in her silver netting. Then she met Elaena's lilac gaze, and her eyebrows furrowed as she wrote again.

velaryon?

Elaena's heart stopped at the little black word. She knew exactly what Sylvia was asking, and she sighed lowly before meeting her hazel eyes again. After acting so intrusive, she couldn't bring herself to withhold from the young maid.

"My mother was Dornish."

Sylvia's eyes widened as she gazed at Elaena. Her expression was thoughtfully confused at the Velaryon girl, but Elaena stifled her choking emotion to keep the mood light.

"I haven't much family myself, you know," She said shrugging slightly, "True family... Tis really just my godmother Rhaenys..."

Blood or no, she's the only one who truly sees me, even if just a part of me, and doesn't crucify me for it...

Wait—Why are you talking about this? Stop, keep the mood light—

Sylvia hesitantly touched the pen to the paper again, silencing Elaena's thoughts.

no family, just me

Elaena looked at the young maid in surprise, and Sylvia looked back at her in wait. Something lifted from Elaena's shoulders in that moment, and she had a feeling Sylvia experienced it in tandem.

She mindlessly grasped Sylvia's hands, and she noticed how the girl stiffened slightly.

"Thank you." She said softly, and when Sylvia tilted her head in confusion, she explained, "For sharing that... You needn't interact with me if you do not wish to, but please... Please, if you need help in any of your tasks, do not hesitate."

Sylvia's eyes widened in surprise, her confusion lingering even as she nodded to Elaena. She turned to look at her parchment, and then gently pulled her hands from Elaena's to write again.

are you in need of anything now, my lady?

Elaena smiled softly at the question, and then thought for a moment. She knew her belongings would arrive in a few days, and they were all she could ask for at the moment.

It'll surely get tedious waiting for Helaena's emergence... How to pass the time—Tears of Torrell.

Damnit, I left Waterlaker's best at home—

Sylvia waited for her response, and when Elaena's eyes brightened, she stood at the ready.

"Would you mind showing me to the nearest library?" Elaena asked, "There is a certain book I left back home. It helps um... ease my nerves? I'd like to see if they possess a copy."

• • •

Elaena was glad she brought empty diaries along with her current one from Driftmark. She happily gave a fresh one to Sylvia.

The two of them walked through the halls, aiming for a library newly built by the Hightowers according to Sylvia.

The young maid maintained her quiet disposition through the journey, but Elaena could tell she seemed slightly more relaxed than before. The silence was a comfortable one, and Elaena used it to examine the finished redesigns of Maegor's Holdfast.

Long gone were stone tapestries of Targaryen erotica and posted heraldry. The walls were stripped to natural tones, and the further Elaena walked, the more she noticed speckles of seven-pointed stars.

Tis almost ghostly in the presence of Winter. Was it really so disgraceful having such marvels plastered about the Holdfast built by Targaryen lords?

Elaena swallowed the twang of bitterness from the thought. All she could do was be grateful for having known the lost designs once, however fleeting the memories were.

Fortunately, her awe was rekindled as they arrived to the Holdfast's newest library. The deep, glossy choices of wood and glass captivated her far more than the Keep's general choice of stone. She could see from the entrance how expansive the library was, but the designs made the space feel extremely intimate.

She ogled the line of shelves down the library hall, and for a moment she believed no one but her and Sylvia lived in the space.

But then she heard a deep throat clear, and she sharply turned to see an old maester watching after them. Her throat went dry as she took in his fair skin and wrinkled features, and her stomach slowly tied up into a hellacious knot.

"My lady," He called casually, his tone heavy with age, "Might I be of assistance?"

Elaena averted her gaze immediately to the floor, wringing her hands together and feeling herself take a step back from his curious figure. Sylvia did not respond, but Elaena could see her demeanor unchanged from its calm collectedness.

Yet she could feel herself panicking from the weight of the man's presence. Her thoughts flung about in her mind, and she could barely decipher them.

The man was not Morgrym, but that did not stop her from imagining his monstrous face before her.

"My lady?" The maester called again, this time in soft concern. It did little to help Elaena's sudden nerves, as when he took step toward her and Sylvia, she stiffened further and took another step back.

"No—" She said quickly, catching Sylvia's attention as the maester looked on in surprise, "No, we... We are fine."

Her gaze remained on the floor, and Sylvia tilted her head at the timid edge to Elaena's voice.

"Very well," The maester said carefully, "Do call if you find yourself in need..."

Elaena turned away before he could finish his attempt at assurance. Sylvia gave him a nod, and he returned to his previous station as she followed after Elaena.

The lady didn't necessarily know where she was going, but her legs pushed her further away from the old maester. And Morgrym's face assaulted her mind relentlessly.

Breathe. Fuck, no—Breathe. Gone, fine, gone—Breathe. Hate, fuck, why?! Breathe.

Sylvia finally caught up with her and laid a hand on her shoulder. Elaena stopped abruptly and turned to check behind them. Sylvia stiffened at the clear trepidation riddled over the lady's face.

She quickly opened her new diary again.

are you alright, my lady?

Elaena's gaze flickered down to the page before looking back behind them to the empty hall. She nodded once, feeling her body ground itself back to the present. Sylvia's eyebrows furrowed before she scribbled again.

do you know him?

Elaena sighed, feeling a chill run over her spine as she settled. She shook her head, swallowing the dryness of her throat before answering, "No... No, I just..."

Sylvia watched widely as she gathered her words, startled by how startled Elaena seemed to be.

"I just struggle with... new people... Tis a strange tick of mine, forgive me." She said quickly, and Sylvia's eyebrows furrowed. She hesitantly scribbled again.

are these part of the nerves your book will help relieve?

Elaena's lip quirked slightly, and she sighed before nodding, "Indeed."

what is it called?

"Well, the writer goes by S.D. Waterlaker..." Elaena replied, "To be frank, any of his works would do."

Sylvia nodded sweetly before turning on her heel and going back to the entrance. Elaena refrained from following after her, knowing the maester would have been there.

Instead, she gazed around at the towering wooden shelves. She wouldn't have been surprised if—aside from the lone maester—there were others quietly studying about the library. Such a spacious and serene place could not have been left uninhabited.

In fact, Elaena was almost sure of it. Because even in Sylvia's absence, she didn't feel alone.

She wasn't sure if the sensation was a chilling or comforting one, as the library laid a blanket of safety over her arms... But it was a sensation all the same.

Am I being watched? No one is around...

That old maester must have truly rustled your feathers, Elaena—Morgrym—Stop...

No one is here... But I do feel a chill.

She couldn't linger on the thought for long before Sylvia returned with a soft smile. Elaena looked back at her in hope, feeling the chill over her shoulders warm up in the girl's presence.

Sylvia gestured for Elaena to follow after her, and they passed by a number of shelves before stopping at an end-cap labeled W.

Elaena peaked inside the cove within the shelf, and her heart skipped at the inviting windowsill.

Sylvia stepped inside, trailing a finger along the top of the shelf before stopping at a specific spine. She tapped the shelf, looking to Elaena in victory. The Velaryon girl's eyes widened in relief, seeing all six of Waterlaker's novels organized by volume. Sylvia scribbled a bit before showing Elaena the page.

he said there are copies in all three of the libraries

Elaena felt a smile deepen on her features as she looked about the space. It was quite perfect in her opinion. Quiet, comfortable, hidden.

Safe. Just like my space in High Tide's atheneum.

"I like this one." She said after a moment, "I'd like to stay here for some time, do you mind?"

Sylvia's eyes brightened, and she shook her head before writing again.

I could return if you wish for privacy, my lady

Elaena thought for a moment, and her mind immediately went back to the posted maester. The hidden corner was well and nice, but the idea of him present with her in the library...

She swallowed stiffly, "I'd enjoy the company... If you wouldn't mind..."

To her luck, Sylvia nodded immediately and sank down to the floor. She got comfortable against the windowsill, opening her diary deeper and starting to draw on the blank page.

The sight warmed Elaena's heart in a strange way, and she looked up to the perfectly arranged Waterlaker books. Tears of Torrell stared back at her, and she quickly reached up for it.

As she turned to take a seat on the plush windowsill, she heard a deep creak in the floorboards behind her. Her gaze turned back to inspect the open shelves of the area... But no one was there.

Her heart skipped, and she waited silently for another disruption. Nothing came, and her nerves slowly settled back.

Get over yourself, Elaena. Tis alright...

She carefully took her place on the windowsill, peaking at Sylvia's little drawing before opening Torrell's story to her favorite chapter.

And all the while, she struggled to shake the feeling that she and Sylvia were not the only quiet ones in the library.

———

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WE ARE SO BACK!!

Omg, the drama my friends and I have been decoding these past two weeks. Season two is already a hot mess (in the best way if you ask me, but of course I have a few quips.) Lemme know if you've been tuning in, how do you feel about the show so far?

Aemond is um... quite the babygirl, ain't he? That brothel scene... I could write essays on it. I love Ewan, he's so brave for that cuz wow—

I'm wondering how deep I wanna go with his mommy issues now, because I never would have imagined that. I can't wait for this Sunday, cuz it seems like pookie is getting his seat at the council 🤗 (Dear Lord... 🥲)

Justice for Helaena!!! When I tell y'all I'm so happy we're getting more from her, because I wanted to paint her character in a similar way and was nervous it wouldn't work very well. But she's a lot more vibrant than I expected. So is Aegon, like who tf would've thought?

Officially Team Black, sorry not sorry, the Greens are a hot mess, but no worries this book will be Green leaning anyway.

I hope you enjoyed it, sorry for the delay, Season 2 snatched me by my edges and had me rethinking a lot.

So happy to introduce Sylvia at last, definitely one of my favorite characters to write. I know I said I would show the face claims for Helaena's other ladies this chapter, but we'll get action from them all next chapter so it seems more fitting.

How are we feeling about this one? Kinda a filler moment, which I hate, but I wanted to get Elaena roaming a bit.

Who do y'all think is watching her? Find out in the next episode of Dragon Ball Z!! (sorry, bye)

See you in the next chapter 🫶🏼