A WINTER ROSE ⊳ g. of thrones [1]

CHAPTER FIVE | The Waters of the Lions Den

MORNING WOKE WITH a bold, and beautiful start, and Ellena curled into her furs, wishing for nothing more than to stay there and simply dream. She refused to rise despite the morning sun that rose high over the walls of Winterfell. A heavy rasp camr from the door, soon followed by the annoyed voice of Septa Mordane.

"Lady Ellena! It is well time you woke!" The old septa barged into her room, watching the Stark girl groggily begin to sit up in her bed, rubbing her eyes. She stretched her arms outward, until a loud yawn fell past her lips followed by a horrible belch. The septa smacked her across the head with a scroll, frowning in disapproval before putting it in her lap.

Ellena yelped, lightly frowning before looking at the rolled parchment. She broke the familiar silver seal that bore her houses sigil, her eyes beginning to wander. It was merely a comforting letter from her mother telling her of all the things she should bring with her to King's Landing, things that would impress young suitors, and things that would best be left at home.

"I'll have Deliah come draw you a bath. Gods know you need it," she exited from her room, leaving an annoyed Stark behind. "I'll start it myself." She muttered to Visenya, who lay at the foot of her bed. The direwolf pup, who had grown in size, lifted it head and perked its ears at the sound of her voice.

She rose from the comforts of her feathered bed, and Visenya padded behind her. Winterfell was never cold, despite its dreary exterior. Hot spring ran through the castle walls like blood through the thick veins of a man, keeping its inside warm and the air moist.

Pulling the familiar grey rock from its crevice in the wall, hot, refreshing water poured down into her wooden tub. It began to fill quickly, and Visenya peaked her head over the side to stare into the watery depths. Ellena let her robe fall to a pool around her feet, letting her long, dark hair fall around her face, cascading like a river down her porcelain back.

She slipped into the warm, steaming waters, her fingertips dancing across them. The scent of smooth oil of tea tree and rose filled her nose as she buried herself into the warm, white waters. She closed her eyes, breathing before she heard the door creak to life.

"There's no need, Deliah." She began, "I've already drawn myself water."

Heavy footsteps padded farther into the bathing room, drawing closer and closer. She turned, but could scarcely make out the figure who stood gathering something from the corner of the room.

"Who are you?" She voiced to the air, turning back around as the figure came into view.

"Well, that's a little hurtful. I can't believe you've forgotten me after our lovely dance the other night."