Elle and Mias: Chapter 38

"ACHOO!" Abernos sneezed and promptly wiped his finger under his nose as he and Viola followed a frost covered trail without the assistance of Leadbury's nose to guide them. "Gah… that Leadbury..."

"It can't be helped. He doesn't have fur to insulate his body," Viola said calmly as she marched on ahead of him. "How can you complain of the cold? I'm having no difficulty."

"You're clearly not a normal woman," Abernos sniffled and rubbed his mitten covered hands together for warmth. "How are we supposed to pinpoint Elle without Leadbury's nose anyway? All he told us was to continue heading north."

"Weren't you supposed to be optimistic Mr. Abernos?"

"Not when it's this cold out," he trotted to catch up with her. "Speaking of optimism, you have an interestingly high degree of confidence Miss Viola."

"Because it's all a little too coincidental. We believe Elias was heading to Noric and based on Leadbury's tracking that appears to be where Elle is as well. I'm willing to bet their paths have already crossed by now."

"I sure hope not. I'd hate to think what he'd do to her!"

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Elle heard a light knock on her chamber's door. Sighing, she sat herself up in bed and wiped her eyes. Her tears had continued to flow without her consent over the news of Mias' death, but for now she seemed to be holding herself together. She donned a thick, velvet robe and walked slowly toward the door.

When she opened it, she almost mistook Elias for Mias' ghost. She gasped and put a hand over her mouth before her eyes adjusted to the light in the corridor to see it was clearly Elias: still unshaven, but dressed in dark northern attire with an annoyed expression on his face.

"Hi Elle!" Hilda popped up from behind his back. "I was showing Eli here around and he wanted to see how you were doing. Isn't that nice of him?"

"Yes… how 'nice'…" Elle eyed Elias suspiciously.

Elias' eyes seemed to be pleading for Elle's assistance in shoeing away the pesky bird who hadn't left him alone since Helga released him from his prison cell.

"As you can see I'm doing fine," Elle said and began to shut the door.

Elias turned his foot into the doorway and leaned in so Hilda wouldn't hear him. "She won't stop following me. I just need five minutes without her frivolous squawking!"

"Yes, how horrible it must be to endure a woman's chattering," Elle was content to let him suffer the annoyance of Hilda's friendly personality.

Elias groaned and faking a smile, turned to Hilda, "W-Would you fetch us some tea perhaps?"

"Oh that's a wonderful idea! I'll even get the biscuits and jam Fio and I made from the winter berries! I'll be right back!" Hilda smiled and took off down the hall.

Elias heaved a sigh of relief before turning to Elle. "Might I come in?"

"I think not," Elle said firmly.

"I understand your reluctance Elle, but I mean you no harm."

"Uh huh," Elle said flatly, not believing a single word.

"I assure you, it's true. If I wasn't a changed man, would I willingly put up with that annoying bird woman?"

"Because killing her would foil what ever foul deed you're plotting. I'm not a fool Elias. You might be able to take advantage of your sister and her household, but as long as I'm here you won't get away with it. I won't let you lay a finger on these good people."

"And I insist that I have no intention of doing so. I truly did come here to check up on you."

"You came because you enjoy seeing people suffer," she retorted. "Now kindly remove your foot from the doorway and leave."

"Elle," he said her name in a voice that echoed Mias'.

Her hold on the door weakened and Elias took the opportunity to push open the door and step inside her quarters. Elle slowly turned and watched him as he examined the room. The way he moved was similar: his stride was long and confident, his boots landing firmly on the floor with a crisp click against the stone. Why did he have to be here? All he was doing was reminding her of Mias.

"Let me just say that my sister's trust in me appears to be thin," he said as he sat at the small table before the fireplace. "I don't think it's her friendliness that keeps that woman following me like a baby chick. I'm being escorted everywhere. Even in the bathroom much to my dismay."

"You have murderous reputation and expected something less? I'm surprised your arms and legs aren't chained together to be honest."

"If that bloody captain of the guard had her way, I would be shackled in solitary confinement."

Elle complimented Helga's tactics this time. If only Ia had indulged the guard's suspicions, Elle might not have to worry so much about Elias' presence in the castle.

"I'd prefer it if you'd become my escort," Elias announced.

"No," Elle said immediately.

"I want to lull your suspicions of me, and get away from that bloody bird. I promise you I have no weaponry on my body and my magic has yet to replenish itself."

"You could be naked, gagged, and bound and I'd still find you a threat."

Elias smirked, "So you're into that?"

"HELL NO!" Elle blushed. He was clearly Mias' twin alright: never missing an opportunity to work sex into a conversation. It brought her heart a bit of relief to have that sort of argument with him, but it only deepened the sorrow of her loss.

"I'm back~!" Hilda sang as she burst through the door with a tray of teacups and treats.

Elias rolled his eyes and Elle couldn't help but giggle at his expense. It wasn't the sort of punishment she always envisioned Elias receiving, but in a way this was better than imprisonment. He was completely miserable and at the mercy of the golden Aquila.